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Wolf Track Survey Begins

Posted at 8:46 AM, Feb 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-11 11:29:23-05

GAYLORD, Mich — The Department of Natural Resources is starting a wolf track survey Monday, to figure out how many gray wolves are in the northern Lower Peninsula.

“Given the low probability of observing an actual wolf or its tracks in the Lower Peninsula, it’s helpful to have as many eyes looking as possible,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jennifer Kleitch in a media release. “That’s why public reports are so important.”

If you see a wolf between Feb. 11 and March 8, you can report it to the Gaylord Operations Service center, at 989- 732-3541, ext. 5901, or submit it online.

The DNR says wolves started naturally returning to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through Canada and Wisconsin in the early ’90s, and populations have increased since then. The first evidence of the wolves moving into the Lower Peninsula was in 2004, when a gray wolf was accidentally killed.

If you report a wolf sighting, survey teams will go to the area, prioritizing the most recent observations.