That number is up from the 1998 winter count of 140. Hammill said wolves can travel 30-50 miles daily, and the DNR count tries to eliminate duplicate counting. When possible, DNR personnel radio collar animals because it allows the use of radio telemetry devices to pinpoint exact locations. We have no confirmed reports of wolves living in the Lower Peninsula. Some northern Lower Peninsula residents are skeptical.
Rumors abound about wolf sightings or wolves howling at night north of Cross Village.
But so far, documented proof of Lower Peninsula wolves is not available. Michigan's wolves are now considered an endangered species, but that status might change, according to Ray Rustem, supervisor for the DNR's Natural Heritage Program. Rustem said major portions of Michigan's wolf recovery program are supported through citizen donations to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund on state income tax forms. We've exceeded our population goal, and this represents what can be done when time and public tolerance is provided. I've heard wolves howl in Alaska and Minnesota, and in Canada's Northwest Territories, and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.