California wildlife officials confirm gray wolf sighting in Mendocino National Forest

The short version

• State wildlife officials confirmed a gray wolf sighting in Mendocino National Forest following late August reports.[The Guardian]
• A department biologist validated photos, conducted field surveys, and found tracks where Mendocino, Glenn, and Lake counties meet.[The Guardian]
• The sighting marks the first confirmed wolf presence west of the Sacramento Valley since the species returned to California in 2011.[The Guardian]
• The discovery coincides with a federal executive order directing the interior department to review gray wolf protections.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Wildlife officials verified a gray wolf in Mendocino National Forest based on late August reports, photos, and confirmed tracks.[The Guardian]
• The verified sighting in Lake County is the only confirmed gray wolf presence west of the Sacramento Valley since the species returned to California.[The Guardian]
• California has at least 50 documented gray wolves after the species returned in 2011 following a century-long extirpation.[The Guardian]
• A recent presidential executive order directs the Department of the Interior to consider delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act and easing lethal removal rules.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• California hails rare sighting of gray wolf in Mendocino national forestThe Guardian - US