A gray wolf named OR-93 has proven his stamina and tracked more than 1,000 miles.
Leaving Mount Hood, OR-93 has taken a remarkable trek and is close to reaching a California beach.
According to reporting by San Francisco Gate, OR-93’s journey is unique. Wolves have not been seen on the Central Coast since the 1800s.
"Much of California is historic wolf habitat, including the Central Coast," Jordan Traverso of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife tells SF Gate, "though one hasn’t been sighted on the Central Coast since 1826."
OR-93 is a 2-year-old male and his adventurous spirit is not uncommon, but his spirited walkabout has taken him across three major freeways, including the 101 last week.
"As far as relocation, we have discussed it (we have discussed a number of things and many options are still on the table), but have not decided to take that action at this time," Traverso tells SF Gate. "Concerns we have are: Where would we relocate him to? How can we assume we know what he’s looking for, where he would find it, and where to put him?"
OR-93 is likely feeding on rabbits, deer, or even cattle on his trip. But feeding on cattle could get him killed by an unhappy rancher.
"Gray wolves are an iconic species, important to our Tribes and state folklore, and Californians are very passionate about them," Traverso says. "I’ve been here 13 years and I’ve seen people get impassioned about few other species like they do wolves."
California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Handout