Thread by @sfchronicle

California's missing and adventurous lone gray wolf was likely sighted in Ventura County.
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

Called OR-93, the male wolf was born in Oregon in 2019 and fitted with a transponder before he traveled into California in February.

He disappeared in April when his transponder stopped working.

Read more: bit.ly/3Db6m6D

Last month, the Department of Fish and Wildlife received three tips of wolf sightings in northern Ventura County, and then officials found wolf tracks nearby.

There’s no definite proof that it’s OR-93, but the reports match the wolf’s description. sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

“OR-93 is pretty identifiable,” said Amaroq Weiss, referring to the wolf’s bright purple radio collar that stands out against his light gray fur.

“He is frankly the first radio-collared wolf wearing a purple collar I know of.”
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

Gray wolves used to roam California freely before being hunted into extinction almost 100 years ago.

They began reappearing in the state about 10 years ago, a long-term result of being awarded federal endangered species status in 1973.
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

When wolves turn 2, they go on treks looking for mates or territory of their own, sometimes covering thousands of miles.

“In one respect there’s nothing unusual about this. He’s doing exactly what wolves do,” said Amaroq Weiss.
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

Wolf OR-93 also looks fairly well fed, and he’s likely living on wild boar and deer said Amaroq Weiss.

Wolves historically kept populations of deer and elk in check, which helps establish balance in the ecosystem for other species, she added.
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

“Wolves are one of the most magnificent animals on the planet,” said Amaroq Weiss.

“They are the force that keeps nature working and healthy.”
sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…