Wolf-Moose Foundation Newsletter

(Volume 1, Issue 3)

Middle Pack on Siskiwit Bay, 1999

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

In this Issue

Moose in Snow

 Photo Credit:  Wolf-Moose Project

The Wolf-Moose Foundation Turns One!

The Wolf-Moose Foundation is officially one year old as of December 2024, and a lot has happened in the past 12 months—some events were planned, while others were not. In December 2023, we had zero dollars but a dedicated Board of Directors determined to build a Foundation whose mission is to advance research and education that promotes the conservation of predators and their prey, with a special focus on the wolves and moose of Isle Royale.

Our to-do list one year ago was packed with tasks we believed were critical to building an operation capable of raising funds and awareness to support the Foundation’s mission and assist the Wolf-Moose Project. Over the course of this year, we’ve made significant progress, though there is still much to do.

Early in 2024, we established an Endowment with the Michigan Tech Fund. As we raise funds now and in the future, this is where your contributions will go—to grow and support the Wolf-Moose Project for years to come.

In the spring and early summer of 2024, we launched our first two targeted fundraising campaigns, which raised over $250,000. These campaigns taught us valuable lessons, including the need for better organization and tools, such as computer software, to connect with and communicate more effectively with you and the thousands of others who care about and support the Wolf-Moose Project.

By mid-year, the Foundation took on the administration and management of two long-running, successful programs:

• The Moosewatch Program, where volunteers spend a week on Isle Royale searching for moose remains and collecting data to aid the Project’s scientists.
• The Moosewatch for Educators (M4E) program, which provides educators the opportunity to visit Isle Royale, learn field research methods, practice backcountry navigation, and develop backpacking and wilderness living skills. M4E incorporates earth science, botany, general ecology, and literature into science education.

The addition of these two well-known programs, though unplanned, aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission.

Moosewatch Group Packed with Bones and Stories

Photo Credit:  Garrett Craig

Moosewatch for Educators: Paddling Through Adventure

 Photo Credit:  Karen Bacula

Late summer and into the fall, we began working with some of you as volunteers (thank you!) in several areas—like this newsletter.

This fall, we also began posting more content on the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale Facebook page. Be sure to check it out! Our goal is for the Facebook page to serve as a hub where we and the Project can communicate with you—to educate, engage, and entertain.

As the year winds down, we are thrilled to report that we have raised more than $335,000 (note: approximately 25% of these donations are pledged for 2025 and 2026). The Endowment, managed by the Michigan Tech Fund, now holds over $200,000.

Looking ahead to 2025, our to-do list continues to evolve. First up is the Wolf-Moose Foundation Seminar Series in February, March, and April, focusing on wolves of North America. These online virtual sessions will kick off with Doug Smith on February 4th. Doug, the longtime leader of the Yellowstone Gray Wolf Restoration Project until his retirement in 2022, will share his expertise. “Seating” is limited, and donors contributing $35 or more will receive priority access to reserve their space for each of the three sessions.

Thank you for your continued support of the Foundation and the Project—and Happy Holidays!

By Jeffrey Holden

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing a live moose on Isle Royale, you know they are massive animals. Bulls weigh an average of 1,200 pounds, and cows average 800 pounds. Evaluating the health of such large animals presents unique challenges—using a stethoscope or tongue depressor is impractical, and asking them for a blood sample or to pee in a cup is equally out of the question.

Fortunately, moose leave behind clear signs of their presence. Scientists (and hikers) often encounter abundant moose droppings on the island. In winter, moose urine freezes in the snow, leaving large yellow splotches.

Moose Scat and Track in Snow

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

Moose Bedding Site with Urine Marking

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

By collecting these frozen urine samples and noting the size of nearby moose tracks, researchers analyzed the urine for various types of collagen and C-telopeptide, a marker for osteoporosis. Moose were categorized as either juveniles (up to 9 months old) or adults (over 9 months old) based on the size of their tracks.

In the lab, the urine samples were thawed and evaluated for biomarkers associated with bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease causing joint tissue breakdown) and osteoporosis (a condition leading to weak and brittle bones).

As expected, collagen levels were significantly higher in juveniles than in adults. Older moose showed evidence of metabolizing muscle during winter due to their less-nutritious diet.

Future studies may focus on obtaining more detailed information about individual moose by analyzing DNA in moose droppings to determine their age and sex. This could provide greater insight into bone health and deterioration over time.

Previous research primarily relied on examining the bones of deceased moose, a method that takes much longer to yield results. The frozen urine study offers a more efficient way to assess moose health on Isle Royale.

This study highlights the advantages of conducting research during Isle Royale’s winter months, the only time urine samples can be reliably collected.

After all, moose just won’t pee in a cup—even when asked nicely.

By Loreen Niewenhius

This research was published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (Volume 26, Supplement 1, S196-S197, April 2018), a journal that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and biology of joint diseases.

The title of the study is:

Urinary biomarkers to non-invasively evaluate health in wild moose (Alces alces),

Authored by Rolf O. Peterson, Sarah R. Hoy, Leah M. Vucetich, John A. Vucetich, Virginia B. Kraus, and J.L. Huebner.  

Moose in Winter: Hazel Stand with Snow

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Followers and participants in the Wolf-Moose Project may know that the National Park Service (NPS) is considering a new wilderness stewardship plan for Isle Royale. Following public survey data collected in 2023, the NPS explored options for a variety of historic structures and current experiences on the island. The purpose of the Wilderness Stewardship Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is to help shape the way the wilderness of the park is managed. The plan was presented in the form of three alternatives, each of which would affect the project’s seasonal base, known as Bangsund Cabin. The three alternatives are:

A) Continue the 1998 General Management Plan (the "no action plan")
B) Enhance the Park's wilderness character ("the preferred alternative")
C) Emphasize solitude by such measures as reducing trails and large group sizes.

To understand these options, it helps to know that the Wilderness Act of 1964 allows the preservation of some “historic structures,” which are considered part of a “cultural landscape” within the wilderness’ boundaries. The history of Bangsund, therefore, matters.

Peterson Family at Bangsund Cabin, 1983

Photo Credit: Wolf-Moose Project

Here is how the new plan alternatives could potentially impact the Bangsund Cabin site:

Under alternative A, the “no action plan”: "For the duration of the current agreement period (through January 31, 2027), Bangsund Cabin and the associated structures would be used to house research activities" (Wilderness Stewardship Plan/EIS, p. 34). This alternative is silent about Bangsund after January 31, 2027.

Under both alternatives B and C: "Research activities and overnight use of the Bangsund Cabin and associated structures would be relocated to non-wilderness as soon as an alternative site is available. After research activities are relocated and occupancy ends, the NPS would evaluate appropriate opportunities at the site, including interpretation. However, “this action cannot be meaningfully evaluated at this time and would be subject to future NEPA analysis" (Wilderness Stewardship Plan/EIS, p. 22).

Candy Peterson Welcomes Visitors to Bangsund Cabin "Boneyard,"  2000

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Later in discussing the preferred alternative, the plan says, "The main cabin and two sleeping cabins would be evaluated to determine whether those structures are deemed historically significant for their use as a wilderness research site. If those structures are not deemed significant, they would be removed. If the structures are determined significant, the main cabin and the Jack and Ace (now called Howard) Cabins would be retained to enhance the other features of value and quality of wilderness. The modern additions to the site would be removed."

Table 11: Evaluation of Historical Significance of Bangsund Cabin Structures (Wilderness Stewardship Plan/EIS, p. 52).

The selected alternative for all park wilderness management will be announced in a press release and on the Park website at www.nps.gov/ISRO.  As of this writing, no decision has been announced.

By Dick Murray

The complete Wilderness Stewardship Plan/EIS for Isle Royale National Park can be downloaded here.

“Many people, no doubt, think that freedom from predation would be the life beautiful for nearly any of our game.” Durward Allen penned these words in his groundbreaking book on wildlife conservation in 1954 (Our Wildlife Legacy, p. 234), when he was already trying to figure out what the newly arrived wolves on Isle Royale would mean for this isolated moose population.

In accord with Allen’s statement, some would say that, for a moose, having no wolves around would represent the best of times. But it might have actually meant the worst of times for 12-year-old* bull moose #5779 (in a series of dead moose that started with #1 in 1958). He probably survived, with great pain, for a couple of years that wolves would not have granted him. He lived at the east end of the island in the late 2010s, before the translocation of wolves in 2018–2019 that restored a functional wolf population.

In one of her early-season sojourns in 2022, Moosewatch leader Karen Bacula found a moose skull—nothing else—leaning up against a trail sign near Moskey Basin. Evidently, a well-meaning but misguided hiker found the skull and deposited it at the trail sign. The skull had a small, disfigured antler on the right side and no antler growth at all on the left side. We collected the skull, which became #5779, in the hope that we could eventually connect it to the rest of the skeleton.

At the end of the field season in 2022, a visitor reported a moose skeleton along the Rock Harbor shoreline. Candy and I investigated the reported location and found the near-complete skeleton of a moose that had died of starvation in about 2019, but alas, no skull. The shape of the pelvis, which was arthritic on the left side, indicated that it was a bull, and the left femur had fractured and knitted back together at a poor angle after walking for months on three legs. The angle of the repaired femur was set by the dangling broken leg. Finally, a strange mass of bone was discovered with a hole through it, the result of an infection that developed in the sternum and several adjacent ribs after the moose had been gored by another bull during the rut about two years earlier.

Side-by-Side Comparison: #5779's Arthritic Pelvis vs. a Healthy Pelvis

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

#5779's Healed Femur and Abnormal Sternum with Diagrams of Normal Bone Shapes

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

How could a moose develop such a collection of pathologies? I surmise that the bull had been a competitive male during the rut of 2017 and suffered the goring that led to the bone infection in the following year. Wolves would probably have caught up to the moose at this point, but there were only two wolves left from the original population—not enough to edit out this vulnerable moose. Weak from a debilitating bone infection, the moose fell and fractured its femur, yet continued to survive for several more months, allowing the femur to knit back together. With some mobility restored, the moose was able to put weight on the repaired leg, but altered biomechanics resulted in osteoarthritis in the left hip joint.

There was no skull associated with the skeletal remains sporting all this pathology, but the mandibles fit perfectly with the skull that had been placed on the trail by a visitor. The story was complete.

By Rolf Peterson

*NOTE:  This age is a rough estimate based on tooth wear, to be refined by counts of cementum lines in teeth.

Can You Match the Moose Bone?

One of the major tasks for our Moosewatch volunteers each summer is to locate and identify moose bones in the field—a vital part of understanding Isle Royale's ecosystem.

Think you've got what it takes?

Test your skill with this quick matching game and see if you can identify which bone matches the drawing! We may have added a bone (or two) extra just to make things interesting.

“We saw one floating in a pond,” a backpacker reported at Island Mine Campground. It was May 23, 2024, and Team II of the Moosewatch Project had just begun their fieldwork. This unexpected observation of a moose carcass set in motion a series of events that would capture the attention of volunteers and researchers throughout the season.

Jim Clink (left) Watches as Jeremy Sartain (right) Snags the Floater

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

But the challenges weren’t over. Unlike most skeletal remains retrieved by Moosewatch, this moose was still “ripe.” The team decapitated the carcass to extract the skull and key bones, securing them high in a tree to prevent scavenging by wolves. These bones would await a future team for further processing.

Typically, Moosewatch volunteers package skeletal samples, including skulls, mandibles, incisors, and metatarsal bones, for transportation to Michigan Technological University. At the Moose Lab, researchers analyze these samples to assess age, health, and growth patterns. The rings of a tooth reveal age, much like tree rings, while the length of the metatarsal indicates overall health and nutrition. This data contributes to understanding the delicate balance between Isle Royale’s moose and wolf populations.

In late July, Team IV returned to the site. Despite sweltering heat, Clay Ecklund and his team—including Richard Strick, Paul Kerchen, Kendalyn Persons, and Jade Stadler—cleaned the remains for transport. Kerchen humorously noted that carrying the odorous bones didn’t win him any new friends.

Back at the Moose Lab, Dr. Peterson concluded that Moose 5870, a young to middle-aged cow, likely drowned after falling through thin ice during an unusually warm winter. While Moosewatch teams conducted 115 autopsies in 2024, this moose—dubbed “The Floater”—was undoubtedly the most memorable.

Reflecting on the experience, first-time volunteer Amy Godwin summed it up perfectly: “It rained, it smelled, it was cold and buggy—and by far one of the most incredible days of my life.”

By Ken Lemieux

Jim Clink & Amy Godwin with Moose 5870

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

Remember the scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, where the Ark is crated-up and stored among countless other boxes in a gigantic warehouse? You couldn’t find a dusty moose bone if you tried! Unlike in the movies, though, after collection and shipping from Isle Royale, moose bones are studied at the Moose Lab at Michigan Tech. Various procedures are performed to determine the moose's age, size, cause of death, and health at the time of death. Taken holistically, this provides researchers with valuable insights into the health of the moose population, both past and present.

But who does the work in the lab? As Dr. Sarah Hoy explains, “Most of the work is done by students paid for their time, either by the Wolf-Moose Project or Michigan Tech. However, we’ve also had several students stay on and work in the lab for a while after they graduate. In some instances, students can work for credit instead of being paid, or they may turn the work into an undergraduate research project.”

Student Work in the Moose Lab

Photo Credit: Sarah Hoy

Upon arrival at the lab, students inventory the bones and assess what they have. They double-check that the inventory matches what’s written on the necropsy cards filled out in the field. Bones shipped from the island are usually packed in boxes by type (e.g., a box of primarily mandibles and another of mostly metatarsals). In some cases, boxes may contain a mix of bones since the primary concern during transportation is to get the bones to the lab safely.

Lab Employee Matt Anderson with Boxes of Bones

Photo Credit: Ken Lemieux

The condition of bones found during Moosewatch trips can vary considerably. Some are, pardon the pun, "bone dry." However, a moose that died in the last few months is more likely to have some meat and fat on its bones, making them "greasy." Bones from a swamp or partially buried tend to deteriorate more than those exposed to the sun, making them more fragile.

Once inventoried, students remove and preserve any remaining soft tissue or collect an intact tooth for genetic analysis. The bones are then further cleaned using different methods depending on their condition. For example, greasy bones must be cleaned by soaking them in sudsy ammonia, while dry bones may be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and micro tools like dental picks, interproximal brushes, toothbrushes, or forceps. While some cleaning can be done on the island, it’s only possible to do so much outside the lab.

A Labeled and Coated Moose Bone

Photo Credit: Sarah Hoy

After cleaning, students apply a base coat of clear Paraloid B-72 (a general-purpose resin used in professional conservation), followed by a coat of white Paraloid B-72 on which the permit number is written in black ink. Finally, a clear topcoat is applied to protect the label, with each coat taking 30–60 minutes to dry. A second label is attached with a plastic zip tie. The students also take various measurements of the bones. As Dr. Hoy explains, “For example, they measure the length of the metatarsal bone because it indicates how well-nourished the moose was in early life. The length of the mandible reflects the moose’s overall body size, and the wear on the teeth can show how well the moose could break down food.”

The age of the moose at death is determined by its teeth. Like tree rings, the teeth of a moose have growth rings that can be counted to indicate the animal's age. To count these rings, Dr. Rolf Peterson carefully grinds down the teeth. Incisors are easier to grind and count than molars, so if all eight incisors are available, they are ground down and the rings are counted independently. Dr. Peterson notes, “If we have to use a molar, we have to extract it with a saw and chisel. The lines aren’t as clear, and there’s only one tooth, so I count and grind repeatedly—three or four times.” For anyone who has participated in or read about a Moosewatch trip, now you know why finding those incisors is so crucial!

The rings on a tooth are too small to see with the naked eye, so they are examined under a microscope, and the image is enlarged on a monitor to make identifying the rings easier. Although teeth are usually the smallest bones studied, grinding and counting them are among the most time-consuming tasks in the lab. In addition to determining the moose's age and size, students and scientists also examine any abnormal bones. For instance, a moose with osteoarthritis likely experienced significant pain in its final years, visible in bones like the hip (volunteers in the field also bring back these bones). A moose suffering from periodontal disease likely had trouble eating enough food, making it a vulnerable target for wolves.

Joshua Mueller and Dr. Peterson Examining Moose Teeth

Under a Microscope

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Moose Molar Ground Down Red Lines

Indicate Centum Area Containing Rings

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

In addition to determining the moose's age and size, students and scientists also examine any abnormal bones. For example, a moose with osteoarthritis likely endured significant pain in its final years, which is visible in the hip and other bones (volunteers in the field also bring back these bones). A moose suffering from periodontal disease would have had difficulty eating enough food, and older, weaker moose become easy targets for wolves.

Moose Hip Bone with Osteoarthritis

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Example of Moose Periodontal Disease

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Another important lab task is for students to input all of the data from the necropsy field datasheet cards and bone measurements into an electronic database for analysis.

NPS Staffer Austin Johnson in the Top Story of the NPS Storage Facility

Photo Credit: Rolf Peterson

Finally, once the bones are cleaned and the data recorded, they are packed into temporary boxes and sent to the NPS storage facility. The NPS facility will be renovated in 2026–2027 to house regional archival collections, including all the moose bones. After cleaning at MTU, NPS staffer Austin Johnson organizes the bones for final storage. When the new NPS storage facility is ready, all the bones from a single moose will be stored in one box.

By Ken Lemieux

Wolf & Otter Tracks in Snow

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

Talks

We’re excited to announce the upcoming Wolf-Moose Foundation Seminar Series, featuring talks from some of the leading experts in wolf ecology and conservation:

Doug Smith:  Wolves of Yellowstone

Date:  Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Time:  8:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET

Location:  Virtual

Doug has published extensively on wolves, beavers, and birds, and co-authored five popular books, including The Wolves of Yellowstone and Decade of the Wolf, which won the 2005 Montana Book Award. His latest book, Yellowstone Birds, was published in October 2023.

He has appeared in numerous documentaries for National Geographic and the BBC, participated in around 2,000 media interviews, and recently gave a TEDx talk on wolves. Doug is a member of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Team and IUCN’s Re-Introduction and Canid Specialist Groups.

With 44 years studying wolves and 14 years studying birds, Doug is also an avid canoeist who enjoys remote trips in northern Canada with his wife and two sons. He was recently selected as a National Geographic Live speaker, engaging audiences across North America.

Registration Now Open for Doug Smith’s Talk!
Seating is reserved for Wolf-Moose Foundation members—secure your spot today!

Kristin Brzeski: Ghost Wolves of the Gulf Coast

Date:  Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

Location:  Virtual

Registration Now Open for Kristin Brzeski’s Talk!
Seating is reserved for Wolf-Moose Foundation members—secure your spot today!

Rolf Peterson:  Wolves of Isle Royale

Date:  Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Location:  Virtual

Registration Now Open for Rolf Peterson’s Talk!
Seating is reserved for Wolf-Moose Foundation members—secure your spot today!

Priority "seating" will be given to Foundation Members for all talks and presentations. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts and dive deeper into the fascinating research taking place on Isle Royale and beyond!

Become a member today by making a donation through the link below. Time and access details will be sent out to Foundation members closer to each event.

Events

Members of the Wolf-Moose Foundation will host a booth at the following events:

Hosted by the Quiet Adventures Society (formerly the Quiet Water Society), the Symposium is an excellent opportunity to connect with long-time Moosewatch participants and Wolf-Moose Foundation board members. The Symposium features presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits promoting non-motorized outdoor recreation and conservation. Stop by our booth to learn more about our work and engage with those deeply involved in the Project. We look forward to seeing you there!

Canoecopia 2025

Dates: March 7, 8, and 9, 2025
Times:
Friday: 3 PM – 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison, Wisconsin

Canoecopia is the world’s largest paddlesports consumer event, featuring 250,000 square feet of paddlesports gear and outdoor equipment, including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Visit our booth to explore how you can support and get involved with the Wolf-Moose Foundation while enjoying one of the largest gatherings of outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of our best moments on Isle Royale happen when we trade land for water and paddle through its peaceful wilderness. What’s your favorite canoe adventure?

Moosewatch for Educators Participants Canoeing Through Isle Royale’s Wilderness

Photo Credit: Karen Bacula

Welcome to our "In the News" section, where we bring you the latest updates and fascinating stories on a wide array of topics. From wolves, moose, and Isle Royale to scientific discoveries and beyond, we curate a diverse collection of articles and news items. This section highlights important developments and insights related to our ongoing work and other groundbreaking projects across the globe. Stay informed and inspired with the latest from the world of wildlife, conservation, science, and more.

While rare, moose are observed in Wisconsin. This trail camera photo, captured in November 2022, shows two bulls facing off just before a sparring match.

Two Wisconsin Bull Moose Face Off in November 2022

Photo Credit: Amanda Griggs

Curious how you did?

Here are the correct answers to the matching task—see how many you got right!

How Did You Score?

6–7 correct

Looks like you’re ready to put your skills to use on a Moosewatch expedition!

4–5 correct

Hey, did you know that longtime Moosewatchers still struggle with bone ID too?  We just keep coming back for more practice!

Less than 4

No worries—bone identification takes time to master.   Join us for a Moosewatch expedition, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Ready to Join the Adventure?

Visit the Moosewatch website to learn more about participating in a Moosewatch expedition. Applications for the 2025 season are now open!

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The Wolf-Moose Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable nonprofit organization.

Our Federal Tax Identification Number is

93-4654981.