Scientists: Isle Royale gray wolf population drops to 3

Scientists say the gray wolf population at Isle Royale National Park has dropped to three and is on the verge of disappearing.

Researchers with Michigan Technological University released their annual report on the park's wolves and moose Friday. They said the wolf count has continued a sharp decline since 2009, when it stood at 24. It was nine last year.

Fewer wolves are on the Lake Superior island chain now than at any time since scientists began studying them in the 1950s.

Study leaders Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich have called repeatedly for park officials to bring more wolves to the island to replenish the gene pool.

Their report says the moose population has risen to 1,250 as the number of wolves to prey on them has plummeted.