rare wolverine spotted in California confirmed !
In a remarkable and heartening turn of events, the elusive presence of a wolverine graced the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California not once, but three times throughout the month of May. The Department of Fish and Wildlife in the state unveiled this extraordinary revelation, capturing the imagination of nature enthusiasts far and wide.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is believed that the same wolverine was sighted by three distinct individuals. This magnificent creature made its appearances twice in the serene expanse of the Inyo National Forest and once in the hallowed realm of Yosemite National Park. The significance of these sightings cannot be overstated, as they represent a rare encounter with an elusive marvel of the animal kingdom.
Meticulous analysis of photographic and video evidence, coupled with expert consultation and collaboration with esteemed scientists from the U.S. Forest Service, led the CDFW to confirm the veracity of the sightings. The wolverine’s size, body proportion, coloration, and distinctive movement patterns left no room for doubt. It was indeed a wolverine, a creature steeped in legend and fascination.
“Wolverines possess an innate ability to traverse vast distances, thereby making it highly probable that the recent sightings pertain to a singular, awe-inspiring specimen,” remarked Daniel Gammons, a senior environmental scientist at the CDFW. The implications of these findings are profoundly stirring, considering that California has only witnessed the confirmation of two wolverines within the past century. The latest discoveries imbue the conservation community with a sense of hope and excitement.
In a poignant account of history, the statement elucidated that a solitary wolverine was observed in the 1920s, and another was documented from 2008 to 2018. It is unlikely that the latter sighting corresponds to the majestic creature witnessed in May, given the average lifespan of a wolverine, which ranges from 12 to 13 years. Each encounter with this elusive creature is a testament to the enduring wonder and beauty of the natural world.
Now, the CDFW, in unison with the U.S. Forest and National Park Service, embarks on a captivating quest to collect a DNA sample from the wolverine that graced the Eastern Sierra Nevada. By carefully gathering hair, scat, or even traces of saliva found at feeding sites, they hope to unravel the genetic mysteries held within this enigmatic creature, contributing to its preservation and understanding.
Typically, the wolverine, the largest member of the weasel family and a captivating amalgamation of strength and resilience, finds solace in the untamed landscapes of Canada and Alaska. There exists a small population of these fascinating beings in the Rocky and Cascade mountains as well, as noted by the esteemed department.
Within the borders of California, the wolverine is deemed a protected species, its status enshrined under the sheltering umbrella of the California Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently deliberating on the possibility of extending further protections by considering the inclusion of the North American wolverine on its threatened species list. A decision of profound consequence is slated to emerge by the culmination of November 2023.
Estimates reveal that a mere 300 wolverines currently roam the expanse of the United States, as reported by the National Wildlife Federation. In light of this delicate reality, the CDFW fervently implores the public to report any sightings or observations of these captivating creatures through their dedicated website. Each anecdote, each account, serves as a precious contribution to the tapestry of knowledge that sustains our efforts to protect and cherish these living treasures.
news source : https://www.cbsnews.com/
image source : https://www.cbsnews.com/