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Michigan wolf population at nearly 700 but leveling off

The Department of Natural Resources says the typical pack has around five wolves.

Credit: AP

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2018, file photo, provided by the National Park Service, a 4-year-old female gray wolf emerges from her cage as it is released at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Michigan's gray wolves appear to have stabilized at a healthy level three decades after beginning a remarkable comeback in the Upper Peninsula, wildlife officials said Monday, July 27, 2020. The latest biennial survey conducted this winter estimated the predator species' population at 695, divided among 143 packs, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. Michigan's Isle Royale National Park has additional wolves that are not included in the state survey. (National Park Service via AP, File)

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Wildlife officials say Michigan's gray wolf population appears to have stabilized, three decades after beginning a remarkable comeback in the Upper Peninsula.

The latest biennial survey conducted this winter estimates the predator species total at 695, divided among 143 packs.

The Department of Natural Resources says the typical pack has around five wolves. Officials say the population has leveled off at between 600 and 700 after years of rapid growth.

Wolves had all but disappeared from the Lower 48 states in the last century but have rebounded after getting federal and state protection.

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