DNR Expects More Wolf Sightings
By Jeff Alexander
The recent confirmation of a wolf in northern Manitowoc County is raising some eyebrows, but state wildlife biologists say it won’t be the last.
A hunter’s trail camera captured an image of the gray wolf two weeks ago near Tisch Mills.
According to DNR Wildlife biologist Aaron Buchholz, there’s a direct link to the flourishing wolf population in Northern Wisconsin.
“Some of the wolf territory in Northern Wisconsin is already consumed by packs, and because they’re territory animals they got to find their own spot.”
Buchholz says wolves heading south is happening more and more.
Last year in Manitowoc County a coyote hunter accidentally shot a wolf, and Buchholz says this spring he received numerous credible sightings near Francis Creek.
But that doesn’t mean these big woods animals are calling this area home. Buchholz says there are too many people, homes, and farms.
“I think when they get here they realize the habitat is not suitable for a wolf pack to establish a territory. They certainly are going to find things to eat here like whitetail deer, but they’re not going to stick around.”
Which explains why northern Wisconsin wolves have recently turned up as far away as Illinois, Indiana, and even Missouri.
And while they’re still federally protected, Buchholz expects laws to loosen in the years to come.
In the meantime, he says, don’t be surprised if you see a wolf on the prowl.
“I don’t think you should be shocked any more that one is coming through this area.”