Tonight is the first full moon of the new year. It is named by native people as the Wolf Moon. In parts of The Upper Peninsula wolves can be heard on the cold clear nights. Popular myths tell of wolves howling at the full moon. The truth is that wolves are nocturnal animals. They raise their face upward to have their howl travel farther. Wolves are social and intellectual. In groups or packs, they can be highly affectionate with family members. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula there estimated to be over 600 wolves. On a clear night you can hear the wolf calls and replies.
In the 1980’s wolves were reintroduced to Isle Royale National Park. Historically, the island in Lake Superior has supported a population of moose and wolves. Currently there are over 30 wolves and 840 moose. The majority living on the eastern edge of the island in the National Park itself. The ratio of predators to prey helps maintain a healthy eco balance on the island.
While there no roads on the island, a ferry runs twice a week to transport visitors to the island to explore it’s natural beauty. These ferries run from the end of May through the second week of September. There no human visitors in other months of the year. Small boats can visit the island for a day. Access from Copper Harbor to the island is 60 miles as the crow flies.
Natural beauty, isolation and seeing moose and wolves in their habitat is a draw to this nation park.
***. poem
Wolf Moon
first full moon, in January night.
Wolves hunt moose dense forests, small lakes.
high ridges left from glaciers past
a delicate balance of nature is cast.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 1-13-2025
traveling up and down the blind highway 
Hi, Carol. Thanks for sharing this lovely poem and essay with us.
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