Wolverine spotted in Sierra Nevada
RENO -- A year after becoming the first documented member of its species spotted in the Sierra Nevada since the 1920s, a wolverine has been caught on research cameras again, only 15 miles away.
Pictures showing the wolverine in good health have revived talk that the predator known for its ferocity could be reintroduced in California.
The wolverine has been sighted in recent weeks on private timber land north of Truckee, Calif., in the northern part of the mountain range, said Richard Callas, senior environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Game.
The wolverine's discovery on nearby national forest land a year ago surprised scientists, who feared the elusive animal was driven out of the Sierra long ago by human activity.
Scientists confirmed it was the same animal through DNA from hair samples collected at camera stations used for wildlife surveys on Sierra Pacific Industries land.
"Although we had hopes this wolverine might be a different individual, indicating more than one might exist in California, it is encouraging to discover that it has survived for at least a year in the wild," Callas said.
Scientists are unsure whether the wolverine remained in the area or returned to the area after making a long trek away. Wolverines can range over areas as large as 750 square miles.
Researchers also are still unsure of its origins. They think the animal either could be an immigrant from Idaho, 600 miles away, or a captive wolverine that had been released into the wild.
It appears the male wolverine can survive in the area for an extended period of time, said Jeffrey Copeland, wildlife ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula, Mont.
"The photos show it to be a big, fat, healthy animal," Copeland said. "It doesn't seem to be in any distress. He's made it a year and he's finding food."
The California fish and game agency has no plans to reintroduce wolverines to the state, but it could discuss the concept again, Callas said.
"There would be many factors to consider prior to reintroducing wolverine, including the presence of suitable habitat, competition with other species, disease and the source population," he said.
