The Wolves of Isle Royale: A Broken Balance

by Rolf Peterson

Isolated by the chill waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park with its wilderness ecosystem is an ideal living laboratory for wildlife biologists. For the public, it is also a place of the mind and imagination, shrouded in mystique about the wild wolves and their primary prey, the moose, that dwell there. For 35 years, this pristine island has been the site of the longest running study on the planet of any wild mammal. And author/wildlife biologist Rolf Peterson has the longest association (25 years) with that unique study.
-- The Wolves of Isle Royale is his compelling account of the Isle Royale wolves and moose dynamic. Illustrated with the author's dramatic photographs (including wolves hunting and bringing down moose and wolf attacks on other wolves), the vivid, sometimes violent, images complement the insightful and often eloquent text.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Wolves, History, Animals, Natural History, Outdoors

189 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for a general audience, Rolf Peterson's The Wolves of Isle Royale chronicles the years he spent leading the wolf-moose project (until John Vucetich took over). Having picked up his study where David Mech (Wolf Island) and Durward Allen (Wolves of Minong) left off (from 1970 onwards), he describes further findings.

Lots of fascinating observations, with a great discussion of the "equilibrium" of predator-prey systems, the "untouched wilderness" and the hands-off policy of the NPS (especially in hindsight, because wolves were relocated to the island in 2018.)

Illustrated with color photographs throughout, Peterson's book is particularly insightful, providing a welcome update on the Isle Royale wolves for anyone who's read Mech's Wolf Island and wondered what the wolves were up to next. (Vucetich's Restoring the Balance looks like a much-needed follow-up to both books. So, chronologically, Peterson's book could be read in between Mech's and Vucetich's.)

Further reading:

Wolf Island (2020)
Restoring the Balance (2021)

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really complicates the dynamic equilibrium model I was taught in undergrad. The wolf and moose populations of Isle Royale do not fluctuate in a predictable manner, although wolves appear to influence moose population in a top-down manner. I appreciated Peterson's discussion of NPS policy; there are so many non-scientific factors to consider when formulating a conservation plan. I am not sure whether I agree with Peterson's suggestion, but he's right to point out that humans are animals too. Nature is not peaceful, y'all!

[Katie Eichsteadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in anticipation of going on a trip to Isle Royale this summer with my sister. Don’t normally read non-fiction and this was fantastic. Reads like a story. Feel like I’m going on the trip with much better insight into the park!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative and interesting. I loved the way the stories of the research are told and laid out. So much time and energy has gone into this study and I feel lucky to learn about it. A must read for anyone interested in the island or national parks.

[Wess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, particularly if you are planning to visit. Peterson’s book provides insight into the how the relationship between the wolves and moose of Isle Royale has evolved over the last half century. With a new population of wolves being introduced through 2020 the it is a must read for any new visitors to the national park

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pivotal, possibly essential read on a contentious topic. The Wolves of Isle Royal let’s us learn about a complex system without the pervasive political underpinnings present in similar assemblages (eg the current situation in the GYE). The focus of the subject matter almost exclusively being on the dynamics of the wolf/moose/ecosystem relationship add value to anyone’s understanding of keystone species, their impact on natural systems, and the ripples that can occur with trophic downgrading. Recommended.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable book about the 50 year wolf/moose study at Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Having just visited the research station, it was fun to read all of their hypotheses and how they changed over the years. The photographs are great, too.

[Catherine Richmond]

The author weaves scientific research with the stories of the wolves of Isle Royale. Essential for understanding island life.

[Katlyn P · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Of what use is a cathedral without sacred imagery? Of what value is a laboratory without subjects?"

Really enjoyed this.

[Lynnette Borree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing in this book, as well as the breadth of knowledge of the author. My intention of reading it was to learn more about the moose-wolf relationship on Isle Royale but I came away with so much more. It is a thoughtful pondering of the value and limitations of science, the role of humans in national parks, and a glimpse into the lives of people who make these undertakings their life’s work. The book’s value and implications stretch well beyond Isle Royale.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains a good overview of the wolf/moose relationship on Isle Royal. A good book for anyone who has visited the island or is planning a future visit. There are some good facts about wolves and moose and an overview of the research that has been conducted on these two species over the last 50 years. The book contains some great color photographs from the island. The information tends to repeat at times making the book longer than needed.

[Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent blend of science, anecdotes, and personal thought. Great read!

[Katie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone interested in wolves, moose, or Isle Royale.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I organize a family camping trip on Isle Royale. My dad and uncles bought me this book to thank me for organizing the trip.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was awesome and so was his presentation. Plus, the pictures of the moose are adorable.