Vignettes of a remote Northwoods snowmobile trail #Video

Vignettes from a remote Northwoods snowmobile trail from September 2021 to June 2022. Snowmobile trails are largely unused by people for the majority of the year (i.e., when there is not sufficient snow). And many animals—wolves in particular—like using these well-defined, cleared paths through the woods when people aren’t on them.

We put up this camera at this particular spot to get footage of both the Shoepack Lake and Nashata Pack, which overlap at this spot. Although we did get both packs on this camera, we primarily recorded the Shoepack Lake Pack, which was the large pack in the video.

The Shoepack Lake Pack was quite large in the fall but by spring had decreased to 6 wolves—likely because pack members dispersed and/or died. This pattern is typical of most packs which end up smaller in the spring than they were in the fall.

Learn more about the Voyageurs Wolf Project:
Website: http://www.voyageurswolfproject.org

Poem:

Vignettes of a Remote Northwoods Snowmobile Trail

The snow falls gently through the trees, A blanket of white on every branch and leaf. The trail winds its way through the forest, A ribbon of ice and snow, untamed and unrest.

The sound of the snowmobile echoes, As it speeds through the stillness of the night. The headlights cut through the darkness, Illuminating the way with a dazzling light.

The wind rushes past, cold and biting, But the rider feels only the thrill of the ride. The rush of the speed and the power, As the snowmobile glides over the snow with might.

The trail twists and turns, Up and down the hills, Through the dense woods, And over frozen rills.

The moon shines down from above, A beacon of light in the winter night. The stars twinkle and dance, As the snowmobile roars on its way, with all its might.

The trail ends at last, At a cozy cabin in the woods. The rider parks the snowmobile, And goes inside, to warm up and be good.

But soon they'll be back out on the trail, Exploring the beauty of the Northwoods. For the snowmobile trail is their calling, And they'll never tire of its wildness and good.