New endangered gray wolf pack found in California, say researchers.
Gray Wolves Return to California’s Sierra Nevada
In an exciting discovery, a new pack of gray wolves has been spotted in California’s Sierra Nevada, hundreds of miles away from any other known population of this endangered species. This news has wildlife officials howling with delight, considering that gray wolves were hunted to extinction in California in the 1920s. Only in recent years have a few wolves made their way back into the state from out-of-state packs.
The sighting of a wolf last month in Sequoia National Forest led researchers to investigate further. They found tracks and collected DNA samples from fur and droppings, confirming the presence of a new pack, consisting of an adult female and her four offspring.
The new pack of gray wolves is located at least 200 miles away from the nearest known pack in Lassen Park, northeastern California. Another pack is also based in Northern California. These gray wolves are protected by state and federal law under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them.
Through DNA testing, researchers discovered that the adult female in the new pack is a direct descendant of a wolf known as OR7. In 2011, OR7 crossed the state line from Oregon, becoming the first wolf in nearly a century to establish California as part of its range. Although OR7 later returned to Oregon and is believed to have died there, its legacy lives on through its descendant.
While no adult male was found in the new pack, genetic profiles of the offspring indicate their lineage from the Lassen Pack, according to wildlife officials.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
