VOYAGERS NATIONAL PARK, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Officials say Minnesota’s gray wolf numbers have dropped noticeably this year, particularly in the northern regions near Voyagers National Park.
According to data from the Voyagers Wolf Project, researchers estimate a 20% decline in the wolf population. The drop is linked to a mild winter and a lower number of deer in the area — a key food source for wolves.
Officials say there are roughly 10 fewer wolves per thousand square kilometers this year in the woods near Voyagers. Despite the decline, researcher Tom Gable noted that the population remains healthy overall. He expects numbers to rebound as deer populations recover in the coming years.
Minnesota’s gray wolves are a federally protected species under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Population counts typically fluctuate in response to changes in prey availability and weather conditions. Researchers continue to monitor wolf activity using GPS collars and remote cameras.
The Voyagers Wolf Project has been studying wolf behavior in northern Minnesota since 2012, focusing on how seasonal changes and prey movements impact survival and pack stability.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
