Isle Royale in Michigan is one of the most remote and pristine of all the U.S. national parks, and it is the site of the world’s longest-running predator–prey study. Every summer, Jeffrey M. Holden leads groups of citizen scientists on week-long expeditions to search for dead moose. Those intrepid enough to join him backpacking off trail in Isle Royale’s rugged beauty face challenges from treacherous weather conditions, to wildlife, primitive backcountry camping, traveling through swamps and wetlands, and backpacks that grow heavier with bones every time a new dead moose is found. Sometimes the moose they find are long dead, with only a scattering of bones remaining. Sometimes they are freshly departed, rotted, stinking, and covered with thousands of bloodthirsty ticks. Scientists use the bones, photos, and data they collect to reconstruct the moose population through the years, correlating it against other data on wolves, weather, and ticks. This book provides a fascinating look into the day-to-day realities of backpacking in the wilderness, while featuring the extraordinary scientific discoveries of the Wolf-Moose Project itself and highlighting the role and rewards for volunteers in this extraordinary endeavor. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in off-trail hiking, becoming a citizen scientist, or exploring America’s least-visited national park.

Relevant Markets of Interest

• Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts: Especially those interested in predator-prey dynamics, moose and wolf ecology, and citizen science.

• Outdoor and Adventure Readers: The book’s vivid accounts of rugged off-trail hiking, backcountry camping, and survival challenges will appeal to fans of wilderness exploration.

• Science and Education: Ideal for educators, students, and researchers interested in long-term ecological studies and public participation in science.

• Regional Interest: Strong appeal to readers in the Great Lakes region, especially Michigan, due to its deep ties to Isle Royale.