Animal-resistent Food Storage Comes to Isle Royale

There are no bears on Isle Royale – they couldn’t make the swim across Lake Superior like the moose – but food storage has arrived at Isle Royale National Park. Some Isle Royale species, such as gray jay, red squirrel, fox, deer mice, and otter, have always been interested in human food. But in recent years, a small number of the newly arrived wolves have taken an interest in human food and activities.

To protect wildlife and visitors, the park has begun installing food storage lockers at campgrounds. Lockers have been installed at 30 of the 38 campgrounds scattered across the park, but in some locations, they may not be in their final locations.

At the eight campgrounds without lockers, backpackers or paddlers are required to carry portable food storage containers that are hard-sided and animal-resistant approved. Such containers are typically known as “bear-resistant containers.” Soft-sided containers, such as mesh or dry bags, are not an approved storage container on Isle Royale and must be stored in a food storage locker.

In Rock Harbor and Windigo, there are also Backpack Storage Areas.   These fenced-in enclosures are open to all visitors, including lodge guests, who need a place to store their items while recreating in the island’s developed areas. There are no reservations or fees required to use backpack storage areas.

Backpack storage areas are not animal-resistant and food, trash, and scented items should remain with you, or be stored in a food storage locker or an approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided container.

The park has more information on which campgrounds are equipped with food storage lockers and a list of approved food containers on its website at: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/food-storage.htm