A new pack of five gray wolves has been discovered in California’s Sierra Nevada, far from the other known packs in the state. The pack, named the Beckwourth Pack, was identified by researchers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) using trail cameras and genetic testing.
The pack’s mother, a black-furred female, is a descendant of OR7, the first wolf to return to California in 2011 after being extinct for decades. OR7, also known as Journey, traveled from Oregon to California and back, becoming a symbol of hope for wolf recovery. He eventually settled in Oregon and founded the Rogue Pack, which has produced several offspring that have dispersed to other states.
One of OR7’s sons, OR-54, crossed into California in 2018 and roamed through several counties before returning to Oregon. He fathered at least two pups with a female wolf in Lassen County, forming the Lassen Pack. The mother of the Beckwourth Pack is believed to be one of those pups, making her OR7’s granddaughter.
The father of the Beckwourth Pack is a gray-furred male of unknown origin. He may have come from another state or from Canada, where gray wolves are more common. The CDFW is trying to determine his genetic background using DNA samples collected from scat.
The discovery of the Beckwourth Pack is a sign that gray wolves are slowly expanding their range and population in California, where they are protected by state and federal law as an endangered species. However, they also face many challenges and threats, such as habitat loss, human conflict, poaching, and diseases.
“We’re thrilled to learn this wolf pack is here and reproducing, but these animals face huge hurdles,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior West Coast wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Gray wolves are making incredible progress reoccupying their historic habitat, but they still need our help.”
The CDFW is working with local landowners and stakeholders to promote coexistence and reduce potential conflicts between wolves and livestock. The agency also monitors the movements and activities of the wolves using radio collars and trail cameras. The public can report any wolf sightings or sign to the CDFW through its website or phone number.
Relevant articles:
– Newly identified pack of endangered gray wolves roams California’s Sierra Nevada | CNN | August 13, 2023
– New pack of endangered gray wolves identified by researchers in California | AP News | August 12, 2023
– Researchers identify a new pack of endangered gray wolves in California | CBS News | August 12, 2023