FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 11 OCT 04
CONTACT: Brian Roell, 906-228-6561, or
Ray Rustem 517-373-1263
Wolf Awareness Week celebrates Michigan’s wolves
Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed October 17-23, 2004, as Wolf Awareness Week, recognizing the wolf as an important part of Michigan’s natural heritage.
Gray wolves have naturally recolonized Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after nearly being exterminated from the state. During the 2004 winter track survey, at least 360 wolves were counted on the mainland. In addition, there are 29 wolves in two packs on Isle Royale, in Lake Superior. The return of wolves to the Upper Peninsula occurred naturally through the immigration of wolves from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and across the St. Mary’s river from Ontario.
“The return of wolves to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula forests is a testament of our stewardship and a symbol of our state’s wildlife heritage,” said Governor Granholm. “The recovery of this majestic animal represents another step in the successful management of Michigan’s wild areas.”
The wolf population in Michigan has exceeded the recovery goals set by US Fish and Wildlife Service and the process of taking the species off the list of threatened and endangered species act has been initiated. The Department of Natural Resources is updating the state’s wolf management plan to reflect the more active management actions required to ensure long-term sustainability of the wolf in Michigan.
To commemorate Wolf Awareness Week, the Timber Wolf Alliance printed posters of artist Derick C. Wicks’ artwork, titled, “Along the River’s Edge.” Michigan’s Nongame Wildlife Fund supported this effort, and a limited number of the posters are available at DNR Service Centers. For more information on wolves, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr .
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