Increased wolf activity noted in Grand Marais, two deer killed in Recreation Park

This winter, there have been numerous reports of wolf sightings and deer kills within Grand Marais city limits and across Cook County.

In two incidents, one in late January and another last week, deer were killed in the Grand Marais Recreation Park, near downtown.

Morning park visitors and park staff encountered signs of a deer kill, including blood, hair, and a carcass.

On Jan. 22, the morning of one of the deer kills, WTIP witnessed a wolf carrying a deer leg in its mouth as it ran west from the recreation park on Highway 61. The wolf then ran into the woods with its breakfast near The Blue Moose Garden Center.

Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg said, “Typically, we don’t see this.” There have been a small handful of deer killed, presumably by wolves, in recent winters, but Tersteeg said it had been a couple of years.

He said there haven’t been many reported wolf sightings in the recreation park as of late, but an individual walking their dog recently reported seeing a coyote near Sweetheart’s Bluff.

A few miles east of town near the mouth of the Devil’s Track River, Grand Marais resident Jennifer Starbright witnessed a wolf running along the Lake Superior shore on the morning of March 10. She told WTIP the wolf approached from the west and continued east along the shoreline in front of her home. After a short time, the wolf turned around and headed back in the direction it had come from.

Starbright recorded the March 10 wolf encounter and shared the video with WTIP. Video below.

Throughout Cook County, reports of wolf sightings have also been posted on several northern Minnesota community Facebook pages and reported to WTIP. Several sightings have been reported along the Gunflint Trail and farther east, near Hovland and Grand Portage.

Wolf sighting near Grand Portage | Chuck Olsen

WTIP’s Chuck Olsen encountered a wolf while driving near Grand Portage last week.

Winter is an active time for wolves as the breeding season ramps up and the search for food continues. Sightings of wolves this time of year are a relatively common occurrence for Cook County residents and visitors.

While there have been wolf-related incidents within city limits in the past, two deer killed near downtown recently are noteworthy.

Each winter, deer typically seek refuge within city limits and are commonly seen spending time in people’s backyards and along Lake Superior. This winter has brought more snowfall to the North Shore, which makes it harder for deer to survive.

In past interviews with WTIP, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Large Carnivore Specialist Dan Stark said this time of year, wolf activity is primarily focused on breeding season and male and female wolves are “focused on that pair activity.”

However, he said, “There could be some younger, more juvenile wolves traveling around in some broader areas of their territory where they’re being a little more active and just trying to make it through the winter and find enough food to eat.”

Last winter, several incidents involving wolves killing dogs were reported. A homeowner on the south side of Gunflint Lake, along Mile o’ Pine, lost her Bernese Mountain Dog to a wolf, less than 50 feet from the back door. Two other dogs were reported to have been killed by wolves that winter.

Stark said that wolves attacking dogs or pets is not very common, but pet owners can take some steps to ensure their pets are safe amid winter wolf activity. He said the first step is to communicate and inform neighbors to help “get the word out” that there has been a wolf in the area. He also recommends keeping a close watch on pets while they are outside and attempting to scare a wolf away if one approaches.

To report any unusual wildlife encounters, contact a local conservation officer or the Minnesota DNR Two Harbors office at 218-834-1453 and twoharbors.wildlife@state.mn.us.

Kalli Hawkins March 10, 2026