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For the first time since 2008 an ice bridge has formed across Lake Superior and is connecting Isle Royale to the mainland -- a possible godsend for the wolves of Isle Royale, which face 

"Ice bridges are important because they represent the possibility that a wolf can migrate from Canada and infuse the population with new genetic material – this appears vital for the population’s vitality," 

The population has dwindled in recent years and is desperately in need of new genetic material from mainland wolves that can now migrate across Lake Superior to the island from Canada. Peterson 

 to Michigan Radio that "a good ice bridge" has been in place since the beginning of February.

The odds appear stacked against the island's wolves, but news of the ice bridge follows another hopeful sign for the population. Late last summer researchers 

There is a debate underway if human intervention is necessary or wise to save the Isle Royal wolves. You can explore the three main arguments and have your say 

Michael Olson

Author

This brutal winter has created a bridge to Isle Royale that could be a godsend for the wolves there facing extinction.

Coldest winter in decades could help Isle Royale wolves

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