1After an absence of more than a century, wild wolves have finally returned to the northern forest.
2As part of the project, conservationists released twelve wolves into the remote mountains three years ago.
3From the beginning, the project faced strong opposition from local farmers who feared for their sheep.
4Supporters of the scheme argued that natural predators are absolutely essential for a healthy ecosystem.
5Without any wolves, the local deer population had grown far too large for the forest to support.
6The hungry deer were destroying the young trees much faster than the forest could replace them.
7Within just two years, the returning wolves had brought the deer numbers back under control.
8As a direct result, young trees are now growing again along the banks of the mountain rivers.
9Beavers and otters have also returned to the area, attracted by the steadily recovering woodland.
10Scientists call this process rewilding, and they describe the results of the project as remarkable.
11To protect livestock, the government now pays farmers generous compensation for every sheep they lose.
12Encouraged by this success, many experts believe similar projects should be repeated in other regions.