Park officials at Isle Royale National Park have implemented new food storage regulations for visitors. The updated guidelines are meant to protect wildlife and visitors, according to a park release.
Beginning last week when the park opened for the spring season, the park requires animal-resistant containers for overnight camping. The park recommends certified bear-resistant products from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
Park staff will also be installing food storage lockers at every campground throughout the 2025 season.
As with all wildlife food regulations, “food storage” is a broad term to refer to anything with a scent. This might include trash, scented items (i.e. lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.), cooking supplies and utensils.
The park has advised campers in shelters to keep their containers inside. Those who are in tents should place their container in a food storage locker. In back-country sites where lockers have not yet been installed, campers should hang their container 12 feet high and 6 feet from a tree trunk, or secure it to a boulder, log or tree 200 feet from their camp.
All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, and nutshells) must be properly stored and packed out, according to the park website. On island trash disposal can be found in Rock Harbor and Windigo.
Isle Royale is home to many wolves, foxes, moose and other animals that might take advantage of poorly stored food. Park officials hope the new regulations will help keep the ecosystem and the visitors safe.
