Located more than 200 miles away, a new wolf pack has been confirmed by the CDFW in Southern California. Last month sightings were reported in the Sequoia national forest in Tulare County.
Taking immediate action, CDFW launched an investigation, revealing physical evidence of wolf activity, including tracks and other signs. The investigative team collected 12 scat and hair samples from the area for comprehensive genetic testing.
Identifying not only if the samples belonged to wolves but also their gender, coat color, individual identity, their relationship with each other, and, most intriguingly, their pack origin. In a remarkable affirmation, all 12 samples were confirmed to belong to the gray wolf species.
The CDFW says this confirms, The new pack consisting of at least five wolves not previously detected in California, includes one adult female, who is a direct descendant of California’s first documented wolf in the state in recent history (OR7), and four offspring (two females, two males). None of the samples collected came from an adult male. However, the CDFW says the genetic profile from the offspring indicates that the breeding male is a descendant of the Lassen Pack.
The new pack, currently without a name, has added a new layer to the list of concerns and appreciation for California’s growing gray wolf population.
Photo courtesy: Michelle Harris, Samantha Winiecki-Love, Ryan Slezak and Colibri Ecological Consulting, one group among numerous groups that reported sightings of the wolf pack.
