45 Years of Service 1975-2020
Current Status
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Expanding Their Range
As most of you know, a federal judge has relisted the wolf as an endangered species for the fourth time in ten years. On August 1, 2017, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. upheld the lower court’s ruling to keep the wolves on the endangered list, even though they are well beyond their targeted recovery numbers.
You have heard lately that The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will soon be de-listing the wolf. While this is great news, it will most likely be short-lived.
To achieve a permanent solution, SASC is working with Congressman Jack Bergman, Safari Club International, The Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance, and the Michigan United Conservation Club to pass into law through the United States Congress a bill that will remove the gray wolf as an endangered species PERMANENTLY!
Check back we will keep you updated as we learn more.
Expanding Their Range
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Expanding Their Range
Wolves began naturally returning to Michigan's Upper Peninsula via Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s. Since that time populations have increased and continue to expand their range. Evidence of range expansion into the Lower Peninsula came when a gray wolf was accidentally killed in Presque Isle County in 2004.
In 2015 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the second confirmed presence of a gray wolf in the Lower Peninsula since 1910. This wolf probably crossed on the ice between the U.P. and the Lower Peninsula.
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Wolves are the largest member of the Canid family (wild dogs), which also includes coyotes and red and gray foxes.
As adults, wolves average 30 inches in height at the shoulder and 65 pounds. Their feet are generally 3 1/2 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches long, and provide an easy way of differentiating wolves from coyotes, whose feet are only 1 1/2 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches long.
To learn more about Wolves in Michigan click on the link below.
MI Wolf Management Plan
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
Wolf Biology and Habitat
Michigan revised its Wolf Management Plan. Click on the link below to review it.
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
July 27, 2020
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported the state’s wolf population has remained relatively stable over the past nine years, with the most recent survey completed this past winter. DNR Wildlife Division staff who participated in this latest survey estimate there was a minimum of 695 wolves, found among 143 packs across the Upper Peninsula. Pack size has remained stable and averages just under five wolves
The 2018 Winter Survey estimated there was a minimum of 662 wolves found among 139 packs across the Upper Peninsula. The 2016 minimum population estimate was 618 wolves. Fifteen more wolf packs were found during this past winter’s survey than in 2016, but pack size has decreased slightly and now averages less than five wolves.
It is important to note these are an estimate of the minimum number of wolves.
Wolf Sighting In Michigan
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
Wolf Population Slowly Growing
The gray wolf is currently listed as a federally endangered species. Wolves have been found in every county of the Upper Peninsula, but some years they have been absent from Keweenaw County (excluding Isle Royale) during the population surveys. Please report wolf sightings using the link below.