After a three year hiatus in order to do some different hat styles, we are back to t-shirts for 2025. We are very excited about these! All registered runners and volunteers will receive one of these t-shirts.
The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus), sometimes called the Timber Wolf, is the inspiration for this years Superior Fall Trail Race T-Shirt. This wolf design is a modern take on the origianl Superior Fall Trail Race wolf, pictured below. The Gray Wolf is the only wolf species in the state of Minnesota. The majority of Minnesota’s wolf population resides in the northern regions, often in areas with dense forests. Their normal range to the south ends in a line along Center City, Milaca, Little Falls, and Detroit Lakes. In Minnesota, gray wolves primarily hunt in packs, focusing on larger prey like deer and moose, though they also consume smaller animals like beaver and hares. They employ a combination of strategies, including coordinated attacks, ambushes, and taking advantage of vulnerable animals, especially during winter when snow makes deer more susceptible. Their hunting animals like beavers for instance, can affect forest composition. Gray wolves in Minnesota typically weigh between 70 and 110 pounds for males and 50 to 85 pounds for females, with an average length of 4.5 to 6.5 feet. Individual wolves can vary in size due to factors like age, sex, and genetics. While encounters between humans and gray wolves in Minnesota do occur, they are relatively uncommon, especially direct, close encounters. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states that wolves generally avoid human interactions. People often mistake coyotes for wolves. Gray wolves and coyotes can be distinguished by size, facial features, and tail carriage. Wolves are significantly larger, with broader snouts and shorter, more rounded ears compared to coyotes, which have pointed ears and a more fox-like appearance. Wolves also tend to have a more direct, purposeful travel path, while coyotes may meander more. HERE is a great article further delving into gray wolf and coyote identification https://www.voyageurs.org/news/wolves-and-coyotes While it is unlikely that you will see a gray wolf during a race, if you spend enough time on the Superior Hiking Trail, or in the Superior National Forest, you will eventually get lucky enough to see one!
Original Superior 100 Mile Trail Race Logo:
