"This painting was done after research about Isle Royale, a small, isolated island near Upper Peninsula, Michigan. It is home to a unique predator-prey relationship between wolves and moose. The two species have had virtually no human interaction, as the island is protected by national park status, and there is little migration of animals into and out of the island. The unique single predator, single prey allows for precise research on predator-prey relationships and of the fluctuation of the two populations. Since 1958, scientists have conducted an ongoing study of these two animals.
"The population of moose and wolves fluctuate frequently and dramatically through the years. Wolves prey on calves, the aged, injured or diseased moose to increase their chances of a successful meal ticket. Between 80% and 90% of moose deaths on Isle Royale can be attributed to wolves. Wolves’ #2 diet preference is beaver. Beaver love aspen trees and create aquatic sanctuaries for the growth of macrophytes – a yummy meal for the moose. The wolves also love the tasty treat of snowshoe hare but they are so darn hard to catch. Snowshoe hares forage for much the same vegetation as moose.
"Should scientists intercede and introduce a new family of wolves? Should scientists not intervene and just hope for a bitterly cold winter where the wolves might travel 15 miles across the frozen ice to establish a new habitat? The inspiration of this painting was in hopes of a very cold winter, like 2013/2014 where another pack of wolves would naturally find plenty of delicious moose meat." - Jan
Acrylic
30 x 26
Market Value: $650
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