In an ambitious move to preserve its untamed wilderness and reduce encounters between humans and animals, Isle Royale National Park has officially rolled out stricter food storage regulations. Starting April 16, every camper, hiker, and boater venturing into the island’s backcountry must store all food, scented items, trash, and cooking gear in approved animal-resistant containers—a rule aimed at minimizing disruption to wildlife and ensuring human safety.

Located roughly 40 miles off the northern coast of Minnesota in the vast expanse of Lake Superior, Isle Royale isn’t your typical national park. It's remote, wild, and raw—reachable only by boat or seaplane. Spanning over 850 square miles and surrounded by more than 400 smaller satellite islands, this rugged gem is a haven for backpackers, boaters, and nature lovers seeking solitude and adventure. With its dense forests, pristine inland lakes, and intricate network of trails, Isle Royale offers the kind of off-grid experience that reminds visitors how nature once was—untouched and unpredictable.

But even paradise needs protection.

Why the New Rule?

The updated regulation is part of a larger, nationwide movement to curb human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in remote and ecologically sensitive areas. Officials point to an increase in wildlife being drawn to campsites by improperly stored food. Even though Isle Royale is not known for an aggressive bear population like other national parks, it’s home to curious foxes, moose, and other animals that can become dangerously habituated to human presence when lured by easy meals.

“Anything with a scent—whether it’s a granola bar, toothpaste, or fish scraps—can attract wildlife,” said park officials. “We’re taking proactive steps to avoid future issues.”

What's Changing on the Ground?

To support the shift, park crews have begun installing bear-resistant food lockers at popular campgrounds. These secure steel boxes will be available for public use throughout the season, though not all sites will have them right away. For visitors in areas without lockers, the old-school bear-hang method remains a backup: food must be suspended at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks.

Approved containers must meet specific criteria for animal resistance and can be found on the park’s website. Campers sleeping in shelters must keep containers inside, while tent campers are encouraged to use lockers if available. Boaters, meanwhile, need to store all attractants inside the cabin or in a certified bear-proof container.

More Than Just Bears

While bear safety often takes center stage in discussions about food storage, the goal here is broader: protect the ecosystem as a whole. Animals that become conditioned to seek out human food can suffer health issues, become aggressive, or require relocation or euthanization. Even rodents can cause problems by chewing through gear or spreading disease.

The change follows a similar 2024 policy update in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where the U.S. Forest Service has already reported a notable decrease in animal encounters since the implementation of animal-resistant storage protocols.

Keeping Wilderness Wild

Park officials stress that these measures are not meant to inconvenience visitors but to preserve the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. “We want people to enjoy the natural beauty of Isle Royale,” they said, “but we also want to make sure future generations can do the same.”

Day visitors and guests staying at Rock Harbor Lodge or Windigo (Ozaagaateng) are not exempt. All scented items should be secured in backpack storage areas at these locations when unattended.

For details on approved containers, installation schedules, or questions about the new rules, visitors can contact the Houghton Visitor Center at (906) 482-0984 or check the official Isle Royale National Park website.

Because on Isle Royale, it’s not just about the hike, It’s about leaving no scent behind.