Rare Wolverine Sighting in California: Second in 100 Years Raises Excitement

In a remarkable occurrence, a wolverine was spotted in three different locations in California last month, marking only the second confirmed sighting of the elusive animal in the state in the past 100 years. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the rare sightings, which took place in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, Inyo National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Images and videos captured by witnesses in May provided evidence of the wolverine's presence, leading to consultations with experts from the U.S. Forest Service. Based on the animal's size, body proportion, coloration, and movement patterns, scientists positively identified it as a wolverine, as confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Senior Environmental Scientist Daniel Gammons of the CDFW expressed excitement about the recent sightings, noting that wolverines are known to travel long distances, suggesting that all three sightings may be of the same individual. Given that California has only recorded two confirmed wolverine sightings in the past century, the latest detections are particularly significant.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with the National Park Service, plans to collect genetic samples of the wolverine by obtaining hair, scat, or saliva found at feeding sites. These samples will contribute to further research and conservation efforts surrounding the wolverine population in the state.

Prior to the recent sightings, the last confirmed wolverine sighting in California occurred from 2008 to 2018 in the Truckee region of the Tahoe National Forest. It is believed to be a different wolverine, as the typical lifespan of the species ranges from 12 to 13 years. The state's previous confirmed sightings date back to the 1920s.

Wolverines, the largest terrestrial members of the weasel family, share similarities with small bears. They are predominantly found in Canada and Alaska, with smaller populations residing in the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. In California, wolverines are listed as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act and are classified as fully protected.

The recent wolverine sightings have generated excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, shedding light on the presence and potential recovery of this rare and intriguing species in California's natural landscapes.