California has a new resident that is causing quite a stir among wildlife officials – a rare gray wolf pack. This pack, consisting of at least five wolves, has been located in Sequoia National Forest, making it the southernmost pack in the state. What makes this discovery even more significant is that it is the farthest south any gray wolf pack has been found in California, surpassing the previous record held by a pack in northeastern California by a staggering 200 air miles.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife made the announcement last Friday, revealing that they had received a wolf sighting report back in July. Intrigued by the possibility, they conducted an investigation in Sequoia and found various signs of wolves, including tracks. Genetic testing confirmed that all 12 scat and hair samples collected from the area came from gray wolves. The pack consists of one adult female, who is directly descended from the first documented wolf in recent California history, known as OR7, along with four offspring. While the breeding male has yet to be identified, genetic analysis suggests that he is related to the Lassen Pack, one of three confirmed packs in the state. Gray wolves, once native to California, were wiped out by the 1920s but have been slowly making a comeback since 2011 with the arrival of OR7.
Rare Wolf Pack Discovered in California’s Sequoia National Forest
California wildlife officials have made an exciting discovery – a new gray wolf pack in Sequoia National Forest, marking a significant milestone for the recovering endangered species. This pack is the southernmost in the state and is located approximately 85 miles from Fresno. It is also at least 200 air miles away from the nearest pack in northeastern California.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife received a wolf sighting report in July and subsequently investigated the claim in Sequoia. During their investigation, they found wolf tracks and other signs of wolves in the area. Genetic testing was conducted on 12 scat and hair samples collected, confirming that all the samples belonged to gray wolves.
The newly discovered pack consists of at least five wolves, none of which were previously detected in California. Among them is an adult female who is directly descended from OR7, the state’s first documented wolf in recent history. OR7 made headlines in 2011 when he became the first wolf in nearly a century to establish a range in California. The pack also includes four offspring, two females, and two males.
While no samples collected came from an adult male, the genetic profile of the offspring suggests that the breeding male is a descendant of the Lassen Pack. Currently, California has three confirmed wolf packs – the Whaleback Pack in Siskiyou County, the Lassen Pack in southern Lassen and northern Plumas counties, and the Beckwourth Pack in Plumas and Sierra counties.
Gray wolves are native to California but were wiped out by the 1920s. The presence of these new wolf packs is a testament to the success of conservation efforts and the reintroduction of these apex predators into their natural habitat. Wolves in California are protected under both the state’s Endangered Species Act and the federal Endangered Species Act.
This discovery is not only exciting for wildlife officials but also for the broader public, as it highlights the resilience and adaptability of these magnificent creatures. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural ecosystems, allowing for the recovery and survival of endangered species.
In conclusion, the discovery of a new gray wolf pack in Sequoia National Forest is a significant milestone for California’s efforts in recovering the endangered species. The presence of these wolves, especially the descendants of OR7, showcases the success of conservation efforts and the return of these apex predators to their native habitat. With continued protection and conservation efforts, we can hope to see further recovery and expansion of the gray wolf population in California.
