In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a new pack of endangered gray wolves in Tulare County, California. This pack was found in the Sequoia National Forest, located in the southern part of the state. The announcement comes as conservationists continue to advocate for increased protection of this endangered species.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed the presence of the new pack on Friday after receiving reports of wolf sightings in the area. Researchers immediately began collecting various samples, including hair and scat, to be analyzed using genetic testing. The results were conclusive - all samples belonged to gray wolves, marking a significant development in the conservation efforts for this species.

Gray wolves were once native to California but had disappeared by the 1920s due to extensive hunting. However, in recent years, a few gray wolves have slowly made their way back into the state from out-of-state packs. The discovery of this new pack, consisting of at least five wolves, is a cause for celebration among researchers and wildlife officials alike.

Notably, DNA testing revealed that the adult female in the pack is a direct descendant of OR-7, a famous gray wolf that crossed the state line from Oregon in 2011. OR-7 was the first gray wolf to be identified in California in nearly 90 years, making it a significant milestone in wolf conservation. While OR-7 later returned to Oregon and is believed to have died there, its legacy lives on through its descendant in the newly discovered pack.

Despite this exciting discovery, the gray wolf population in the United States remains critically endangered. Around two million gray wolves once roamed North America, but a federal extermination program severely diminished their numbers. Today, the Center for Biological Diversity estimates that only approximately 6,000 wolves are left in the country.

The challenges faced by gray wolves have been further exacerbated by recent policy changes. In October 2020, the Trump administration removed gray wolves from the protections granted by the Endangered Species Act. This decision led to controversial hunting practices in states like Wisconsin, where gray wolves were targeted by hunters. Tragically, in January 2022, a few gray wolves were killed by hunters when they ventured outside of Yellowstone National Park.

However, in a positive turn of events, in February 2022, a federal court ruled that gray wolves should be re-added to the Endangered Species Act, just 16 months after their removal from the list. This decision provides hope for the conservation efforts surrounding gray wolves and reinforces the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.

With the discovery of the new pack in Tulare County, researchers and wildlife officials are hopeful that the gray wolf population in California can continue to recover. Gray wolves are protected under both state and federal laws, making it illegal to harm or kill them. The presence of this pack, along with the genetic ties to OR-7, serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of these remarkable animals. As conservationists continue to fight for increased protections, the story of the gray wolf's return to California is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the importance of preserving biodiversity.