[Alberta's Child]

I find the discussion on this subject very interesting -- and kind of entertaining, in a way. I remember reading an article some years ago about the wolves on Isle Royale (maybe in National Geographic?). One of the things pointed out in the article was that the wolves aren't native to Isle Royale ... and their origins were traced back to a particularly cold winter not many decades ago when a pack of wolves apparently tracked a moose or elk across a frozen stretch of Lake Superior. They've been "stuck" on the island ever since.

If that's the case, then is there anything to be concerned about if they are facing extinction? Do they really belong there anyway?

[cripplecreek]

I suspect that wolves have come and gone from the island many times over the last 12,000 years.

[SJackson]

If that's the case, then is there anything to be concerned about if they are facing extinction? Do they really belong there anyway?

Yes, it's been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. And it's a tourist attraction. Because of the wolves. And just because there were no wolves there when I and lots of other freepers were born doesn't mean we can't freak out about the demise of the Canadian wolves.

Sarcasm aside, I think they should boost the wold population. Horrors, maybe issue some moose permits which will never happen. It's an artificial population as we maintain it, but still valuable.