Recently made the jump to move to Grand Marais (probably a bad financial move in my 30s but life is short). Secured a job and a house mid Gunflint trail.

I have two dogs and one of my first priorities will be building a fence in the back yard. It’s thick woods and rocky ground, so building it will be a massive pain in the rear. But I’ve read stories of Wolf attacks on dogs in the Ely area and I don’t want to take any chances

I’m planning on a 6’ welded wire fence, and some lights facing that direction (debating between motion lights or dusk-to-dawn).

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

For lights, fence or both?

For both, advice in general, people’s experiences with dogs up here, etc.

Are you thinking a fence so your dogs can be outside while you’re gone working? What kind of dogs?

Mocha: "Are you thinking a fence so your dogs can be outside while you’re gone working? What kind of dogs?"

I don’t want to leave them out that long, just an hour at a time while I get ready for work and again at night.

Ones a Pyrenees mix so I know he can fend for himself, the other is half lab half idiot and I think he would be close to the bottom of the food chain

As a rural resident on the other side of the BWCA (Echo Trail) I urge you to not use "dusk to dawn" lights. Preserve the darkness. I've lived in the woods some 30 some years and have had dogs for most of that time and a fair amount of interaction with wolves while out in the wild with my dogs. The fence will be sufficient to deter the wolves the lights just a violation of the whole ethos of living in the woods.

There is at least one dog sledding company located somewhere on the Trail, you might reach out to them to see what they do.

also, Sarah at Trail Center, has dogs and fosters dogs, has had a plethora of wildlife visit her property. she would be an excellent resource.

when i lived up there we had more problems with bears than wolves.

Congratulations! I don't have dogs, so this advice is more selfish, but I would go with motion sensors.








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