Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Migratory birds have become a primary reason for many tourists to visit the islands.
More than 100 species in all inhabit the islands; 98 percent of Wisconsin's herring gull and
tern population lives on the Lake Superior coast in and around these islands. Great blue
herons and two species of cormorants are protected in two areas, and bald eagle nests can
be found in a couple of spots. Even pelicans have been introduced. Wolves, exterminated
in the 1950s, are expected to return from Minnesota any day now (they are on the main-
land). Deer overran the islands to the extent that organized hunting charters were hired to
thin the herds early in the 20th century, but they are managing a slow comeback. A delight
on Stockton, Sand, and a few other islands are beaver colonies—a pertinent mammal, so
crucial to the settlement and exploration of the region.
Themostsalientspeciesontheislandistheblackbear,foundonahandfuloftheislands,
including Stockton, which has one of the highest concentrations in the United States. Most
oftheislands haveabundant blueberries, soitisn'tquite asurprisetofindSmokeyandpals
swimming the straits in search of food.
