TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- Scientists say the gray wolves of Isle Royale National Park are dangerously close to extinction.
Biologists with Michigan Tech University say they counted only nine wolves on the Lake Superior island this winter, down from 16 a year ago.
It's the lowest number since scientists began monitoring the park's wolves and moose a half-century ago.
Biologists Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich say a shortage of females, inbreeding and starvation caused the crash.
Wolves migrated to Isle Royale from the mainland on an ice bridge around 1950. Peterson and Vucetich say their presence is essential to prevent moose from overbrowsing.
Park Superintendent Phyllis Green says no decision has been made whether to bring in more wolves.
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus
Most Popular Stories
Crane accident cuts power to one-third of Vietnam
Goat on the lam snarls NJ's Pulaski Skyway traffic
Ferris wheel ride world record broken in Chicago
Star chef killed over meal
Obama to push for transparency in face of threats
Between economy and trouble, Obama approval steady
Tea party storm largely inside IRS - so far
House to vote on variable rate student loans
GOP questions IRS scrutiny of anti-abortion groups
WVLT VOLUNTEER TV
6450 Papermill Drive Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 450-8888 - Phone (865) 450-8869 - Fax
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 142905125
