Rare Wolverine Sightings Confirmed In NorCal

CALIFORNIA — California wildlife officials believe the same wolverine was spotted three times in three counties last month, becoming just the second of its kind to be seen in the Golden State in more than a century.

Wolverines are the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family and are most commonly found in Canada and Alaska, with smaller populations in the Rockies and Cascade mountains. Scientists confirmed the presence of a single wolverine in California, nicknamed Buddy, living near Truckee in the Tahoe National Forest between 2008 and 2018.

Researchers last month confirmed three sightings in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including two in the Inyo National Forest and a third in Yosemite National Park. Since wolverines usually live 12 to 13 years, officials believe last month's wolverine is a relative newcomer to the scene.

"Wolverines can travel great distances, making it likely that the recent sightings are all of the same animal," said Daniel Gammons, a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Because only two wolverines have been confirmed in California during the last 100 years, these latest detections are exciting."

Before 2008, the last known wolverine sightings in California were in the early 1920s. As SFGate reports, researchers believe wolverines used to be more common in the Golden State, even raiding the Donner Party's survival supplies, but were essentially wiped out by hunters by the early 20th century.

Now classified as a fully protected and threatened species in California, wildlife officials plan to work with their colleagues at the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service to collect genetic samples of the newest resident through its hair, saliva and droppings. Members of the public can report sightings through the state's online portal.