Cat Island Re-opened to Visitor Use

Date: July 18, 2017
Contact: Chris Smith, 715-779-3398, x1801
Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-779-3398, x1601

Bayfield, WI – Cat Island has been re-opened to visitor use. The island was temporarily closed on July 7 to ensure visitor safety due to bear activity and to allow park staff to monitor the area and, if possible, conduct active deterrence. 
 
Park staff monitored the sand spit and campsite for 10 days. No evidence of bear activity was captured by track observations or pictures from a remote camera. It is possible that the bear swam to another island or that natural foods have become more abundant. However, for the safety of both visitors and bears, it is critical that visitors keep a very clean camp and make sure that no food is left unattended.