Food Storage

Food storage lockers at Rock Harbor Marina.

NPS/Bridget Byrne

 

In order to protect wildlife and visitors, food storage regulations are now in effect within Isle Royale National Park.

 

 

Food Storage on Isle Royale is Evolving

Some Isle Royale species, such as gray jay, red squirrel, fox, deer mice, and otter, have always been interested in human food. However, in the past two years, a small amount of Isle Royale wolves have taken an interest in humans, our food, and human activities. For this reason, and to protect wildlife and visitors, Isle Royale National Park introduced stricter food storage regulations beginning in 2025.

 

"Food Storage"

"Food storage" refers to the storage of any food, trash, scented items (such as lip balm or sunscreen), cooking supplies and utensils, fish, etc.

 

Many parks have food storage regulations in place in order to deter bears, but there are no bears on Isle Royale. The main species of concern is wolves. Data and research for wolves and food storage is not as complete as similar research for bears. In the absence of standardized wolf-food storage practices, utilizing common bear food storage safety is the precautionary principle.

Due to the lack of wolf-tested research at this time, Isle Royale has also adopted food storage regulations that are standard in practice with bear-resistance. For this reason, food storage on Isle Royale is an evolving situation. As more is learned about Isle Royale wolf behavior and human food-conditioning in wolves, Isle Royale visitors can expect food storage regulations to adapt and adjust accordingly.

Because there are no bears on Isle Royale, what are commonly known as “bear boxes” or “bear canisters” will be referred to as “food storage lockers” or “animal-resistant containers” when in reference to Isle Royale regulations.

 

Animal-Resistant Containers are Required for Overnight Camping

 

"Animal-Resistant"

“Animal-resistant” is defined as any container that meets bear-resistant standards as determined by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

 

Containers on this page, typically known as “bear-resistant canisters,” are approved. Containers not on this list are not guaranteed to be in food storage compliance.

 

Examples of animal-resistant containers.

NPS

 

Food Storage Regulations

 

Backpacking & Camping

• Do not leave backpacks or gear unattended anywhere.
• Animal-resistant containers are required.
• While camping, a second layer of animal resistance must be employed, in addition to using an animal-resistant container.
• Animal-resistant containers may be stored in shelters.
• Food storage lockers are in place at most campgrounds. Use them.

Hanging Items

• If there are no shelters or food storage lockers, animal-resistant containers may be hung. However, this should be a last resort option. Do not hang if shelters or food storage lockers are available.
• If camping outside of a campground in a cross-country camping zone, hang your items.
• If no shelter or food storage locker, hang container 12 feet high, 6 feet from tree trunk.
• If unable to hang, secure container to a boulder, log, or tree 200 feet from camp.

Boating

Do not leave gear or belongings unattended anywhere.

Staying Aboard a Boat or at a Dock

Secure all food, gear, trash, fish, fish guts, and cooking supplies inside the cabin, or within an approved animal-resistant container.

Staying in a Campground

Follow the regulations for backpacking and camping.

Kayaking & Canoeing

• Do not leave belongings or gear unattended anywhere.
• Follow the regulations for backpacking and camping.
• A kayak or canoe is not animal-resistant. Animal-resistant containers are required.

Daytripping & Lodge Guests

• Do not leave gear or belongings unattended anywhere.
• Animal-resistant containers are not required on day hikes.

 

An example food storage locker. Food storage lockers will be implemented at every Isle Royale campground throughout the 2025 season.

NPS

Food Storage Lockers: Use Them

While food storage lockers are now available at most campgrounds, implementation and installation is ongoing. In some locations, food storage lockers are available for use, but they are not yet in their final location.

• Food storage lockers are not for full packs; put food and items in animal-resistant container and place in locker.

• Do not leave trash in lockers or abandon items.

• If possible, keep container in a shelter in order to save space in food storage locker.

 

Locker Locations

A list of each campground and whether or not there is a food storage locker there.

Campground	# of Boxes	At Site and Ready to Use? (Y/N) *	Notes

Download This Dataset

 

Backpack Storage Areas: Use Them

Backpack storage areas are open in Rock Harbor and Windigo. These fenced-in areas are open to all visitors, including daytrippers and lodge guests, who need a place to store their backpackers and gear while recreating in the island's developed areas. There are no reservations or fees required to use the backpack storage areas.

Backpack storage areas can be used while going on a day hike or paddle, while waiting for a seaplane or ferry, while shopping or dining at one of the stores or restaurants, or while visiting Isle Royale on a daytrip. Never leave backpacks or gear unattended, even on a dock or near a visitor center.

 

Trash

All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, nutshells) must be properly stored in an animal-resistant container and food storage locker or shelter. Do not leave trash or abandon items in food storage lockers or shelters.

Do not burn, bury, or place garbage in outhouses or pit toilets. On-island trash disposal can only be found in Rock Harbor and Windigo.

 

Understanding Wolf Behavior

Isle Royale is wolf habitat, and proper precaution should be taken. Awareness of wolf behavior is essential for ensuring both visitor safety and wolf conservation.

Natural Wariness

In the wild, wolves typically avoid humans. Maintaining this behavior is crucial for their survival and visitor safety.

Habituation

Any animal can become habituated to human presence, leading them to approach visitor use areas. Signs include:

• Frequent visits to campgrounds, established routes, or developed areas.
• Lack of fear when encountering people.

Food Conditioning

Food conditioning occurs when animals associate humans with easy food sources, prompting behaviors like investigating campsites, tent, backpackers, gear, or trash.

 

Wolf Encounters

If you encounter a wolf, do not approach it. Encourage it to leave by clapping and yelling. If the wolf does not leave, maintain eye contact and back away. Do not run or turn your back to the wolf.

If you cannot leave safely, make yourself big and aggresively use hiking poles or branches to discourage the wolf from approaching. Wolf attacks on humans are xceedingly rare, but if it were to happen, defend yourself by any means necessary.

Report all wolf sightings and interactions to park staff.

Wolf/Human Conflict Management

Throughout 2025, park staff and partners will be conducting operations to haze wolves out of developed areas and campgrounds. These activities could utilize noise producing devices, visual deterrents, fencing, paintball markers, pyrotechnics, and non-lethal shotgun rounds. The intention of these activities is to adversely condition wolves to human presence in these areas.

 

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  Fuels & Stoves

  Isle Royale requires certain fuels for boating and cooking in the wilderness.

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  For Your Safety

  As your trip gets near, use this guide to help prepare, learn what to expect, and consider how you will take responsibility for your safety.

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  Backpacking & Camping

  Prepare for your backpacking and camping trip using these resources.