Lone wolf entering California marks historic conservation success
WASHINGTON (Dec. 30, 2011) – A lone dispersing wolf from Oregon, known as OR7, has crossed the border into northern California.
The following is a statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, president of Defenders of Wildlife:
“I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than celebrating this incredible conservation success. The return of the gray wolf to California represents more than two decades of hard work by wildlife advocates and state and federal wildlife managers to bring this magnificent animal back from the brink of extinction. We also owe our thanks to the millions of Americans who gave their support along the way. However, there is much more work to be done to ensure that breeding packs can become established and accepted as part of California’s natural heritage. Defenders of Wildlife has been honored to help turn the dream of wolf recovery into a reality. Now, we stand ready to help the people of California learn how to safely coexist with wolves in this important part of their historic range.”
Learn more about OR7 from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Read a press release from California Department of Fish and Game
See what Defenders is doing to pave the way for wolf recovery across the West
Get weekly wolf news on Defenders blog
Defenders of Wildlife leads the pack when it comes to protecting wild animals and plants in their natural communities.
So when did the wolves leave Yosemite Park? I have seen them there myself but everyone is making it sound like we don’t have any left here in Cali???????
[Reply]
John Motsinger Reply:
January 3rd, 2012 at 11:45 am
Glenda, perhaps you’re thinking of Yellowstone, not Yosemite? There may be coyotes in Yosemite, but I’ve never heard of any wolf sightings. Wolves were wiped out in California in the 1920s, and OR7 is the first documented wolf to make his way back into the state.
However, there are now about 100 wolves in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. They were reintroduced in 1995 and 1996 and have made a strong comeback ever since.
Thanks for reading!
[Reply]
Awesome!! Im so happy to read this, its areal victory, now all i hope is for this wolf that has entered to be safe and strong. I hope the stupid people dont start killing them thinking their dangerous and things like that. are they protected? Congrats on your victory. So happy. Small thing can make us so happy in regards to wildlife. as long as we made a positive difference. Just hope they stop trophy bear and cat hunting. Really gets me upset and angry! plus all the other animal cruelty, list goes on forever.
[Reply]