There are some important differences between Isle Royale habitat and the habitat that exists in moose country in NE Minn. Wolves are primary predators in winter when they can easily traverse the frozen swampy habitat of the moose. One of the summer predators of moose calf are black bears, also overly abundant in MN. Wolves are not dependent on moose for survival in the mainland, a calf is just an easier mark.

The presence of whitetails and other smaller prey animals along with human activity on the mainland alters the equation. Wolves can decimate the moose, which have a more restricted habitat, and then move to whitetail fawns and does, which can live almost anywhere in the state. Logging and mining companies have cut roads into wilderness areas that the wolves use to access moose country. Walk any tote road and you see wolf tracks. In the winter in deep snow, you see bloody kills on the groomed snowmobile trails where they can artificially run as fast as a deer.

With human activity factored in, there is no natural balance. Wolves are not dying out with the moose, they are increasing to record numbers and also increasing pack size, and ranging farther out under the protection of the federal government to kill other prey.