Young, wild and free: Wolverine spotted in California for only second time in last 100 years

According to state wildlife officials, an extraordinary event unfolded in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada last month when a wolverine was sighted on three separate occasions. This remarkable sighting marks only the second time in the past century that this elusive creature has been observed in the state.

Although wolverines are indigenous to California, their presence has been virtually non-existent since the 1920s. It is widely believed that rampant hunting and fur trapping, prevalent in the aftermath of the gold rush era, were the primary causes behind their disappearance. However, historical records from that time fail to provide conclusive evidence regarding the precise factors contributing to the decline of their population.

Between 2008 and 2018, a lone wolverine was spotted in California, predominantly in the Tahoe National Forest, though the recently observed wolverine is likely a different individual due to their typical lifespan of 12 to 13 years.

The latest sighting reveals a young male wolverine, likely in search of a mate. It has been seen twice in the Inyo National Forest and once in Yosemite National Park.

Daniel Gammons, a senior environmental scientist in California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, expressed his exhilaration, remarking, “It’s truly astounding and unexpected.”

Male wolverines traverse vast territories, often spanning several hundred square kilometers. Gammons suggests that this winter’s heavy snowfall in the Western region may have created “habitat bridges,” enabling the wolverine to journey from the Rocky and Cascade mountain ranges or even as far as Canada or Alaska.

Wildlife officials are actively working to obtain a sample of the wolverine’s hair or scat for genetic testing. As the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family, the wolverine is classified as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act.

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More about wolverine sighting

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife: The official website of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which provides information on wildlife conservation and management in the state.
• Sierra Nevada: Learn more about the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where the wolverine sighting took place in California.
• Endangered Species Act: Information about the Endangered Species Act, which protects threatened and endangered species in the United States, including wolverines.
• National Park Service – Yosemite National Park: Official website of Yosemite National Park, where one of the wolverine sightings occurred.
• Tahoe National Forest: Discover more about Tahoe National Forest, where a previous wolverine sighting in California was recorded.