Isle Royale National Park closed Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time in a month Monday, citing increased wolf activity in the area connected to improperly stored food.
Over the weekend, a wolf or wolves accessed the interior of a shelter by tearing, scratching and pushing through the screen. The animal or animals pulled clothing and other items from the shelter and chewed on an improperly stored cooler. No campers were present, and no injuries were reported.
The closure takes effect until July 31st. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Earlier this month, park officials began efforts to deter wolf activity through increased hazing, but the strategy proved ineffective. This summer, Isle Royale National Park implemented new food storage guidelines designed to mitigate interactions between wildlife and humans. Find more details below. Find 2026 Food Storage guidelines for Isle Royale National Park here.
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Isle Royale Closes Duncan Narrows Campground Until End of July
Isle Royale National Park closed Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time this month following increased wolf activity at campsites due to improperly stored food. The closure runs from July 13 to July 31, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.
Over the weekend, a wolf or wolves accessed the interior of a shelter by tearing, scratching and pushing though the screen. They pulled clothing and other items out of the shelter and chewed at a cooler stored improperly in the shelter. No campers were in the shelter or harmed when this activity occurred. An investigation is ongoing.
Efforts earlier this month to deter wolf activity at the Duncan Narrows Campground through a shorter closure and increased hazing were ineffective. To address the interest wolves have with human food and trash and the continued non-compliance with food storage regulations in this campground, the park decided to close the campground for the remainder of the month.
Park staff will monitor the closure and conduct hazing to discourage wolves from entering the campground. Increased staff presence and hazing will be similar to the efforts currently being done at Three Mile Campground including paintball guns, air horns, and installation of motion-sensing noise-producing devices.
Duncan Narrows Campground is accessible only by water to visitors with boats, kayaks, and/or canoes. Specific food storage guidance for boaters and paddlers and all visitors can be found at Food Storage – Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park.
The goal is to reopen Duncan Narrows and Three Mile campgrounds on August 1, but the closures could continue and additional regulations or closures could occur throughout the park if necessary.
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
