22 A researcher estimates that there is a population of 618 gray wolves in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which covers an area of approximately 16,452 square miles. Which of the following is closest to the estimated population density, in gray wolves per square mile, in this area? A) 0.04 B) 3.76 C) 26.62 D) 53.24

Step 1 ：A researcher estimates that there is a population of 618 gray wolves in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which covers an area of approximately 16,452 square miles. We are asked to find the estimated population density, in gray wolves per square mile, in this area.

Step 2 ：To find the population density, we need to divide the total population by the total area. In this case, we divide 618 (the number of gray wolves) by 16,452 (the area in square miles). The formula for population density is \(\frac{population}{area}\).

Step 3 ：Substituting the given values into the formula, we get \(\frac{618}{16452}\).

Step 4 ：The calculated density is approximately 0.04. This is closest to option A) 0.04.

Step 5 ：\(\boxed{A)}\) is the final answer.