The Wolf
When you come here the first time, NPS tell you what to do in defense, if you're confronted by a moose. After a few encounters you realize that the males need to be taken seriously and primarily during the fall rut. The moose are bigger than you and it can be intimidating until you realize they want to avoid you.
Several years ago NPS reintroduced the wolves to the park. They are larger than average, have adapted well, and have been prolific in their reproduction. NPS tell you to avoid them and what to do if they approach. And then there's this:
If a wolf attacks: Wolf attacks are extremely rare and unlikely to happen. But if it does, fight using any means necessary.
There are now around 25 wolves at Isle Royale. Hiking through the park solo, you have lots of time to think about what you will do if confronted. In the scuba diving business we had a joke, if confronted by a shark, cut your buddy with your dive knife and swim away as fast as you can. I never expected to see a wolf and thought I would eventually not worry about it.
I'm walk parallel to the water through the woods. You become focused on looking for movement to spot wildlife. Ahead of me near the water but still in the trees, I see it bound parallel to the water maybe 40' from me at the closest point. It's a silhouette as the water behind it is light and bright, and the wolf is running in the woods. The head is unmistakable as a wolf with long bushy tail parallel to his back. The speed is incredible, but there's not a sound as he bounds through the trees. If you didn't see him coming, you would never know he attacked.
Then you realize, they're in a prey rich environment and you would likely be a target or last choice. Too many beavers and other ground animals out during the summer to mess with a human. And so life goes on.
Some more pictures from the park.
Wild blueberries?
Ted