It turns out that a photo of the Oregon gray wolf that crossed into California last week, and is still roaming in the Golden State, most likely does exist (at right).
OR-7, a 2-year-old wolf that made history on Dec. 28 by becoming the first known wild wolf in California in nearly 90 years, has been tracked by Oregon biologists since they fitted him with a GPS collar last February.
They did not take a photo, though, and there were no verified sightings of the predator as it trekked from northeast Oregon to California on a zig-zagging path spanning more than 700 miles.
But Allen Daniels, a deer hunter, has come forward with an image produced via his trail camera last Nov. 1 in the woods east of Butte Falls in Southern Oregon.
Roblyn Brown, assistant wolf biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Ashland Daily Tidings that satellite tracking technology confirmed OR-7's presence in that area at the time the image was captured.
She added that the image was "likely" that of OR-7.
The wolf remains in California and has been ranging in a large area within Siskiyou County.
Its presence has ranchers concerned that others might follow and establish a new population in California. The state Department of Fish and Game is working on a plan that deals with the eventual return of wolves.
OR-7, who also became the first wolf west of Oregon's Cascades in 65 years, is believed to be searching for a mate if he didn't find an un-collared companion in Oregon.
Comments