A male gray wolf called OR93 lived only two short years, but it made history.
The wolf cub was born in northern Oregon in 2019 and a year later it set out on its own to find a mate. A tracking bracelet was placed on him in June 2020 and that is how he became known as the OR93.
He made his way through California and ended up in San Luis Obispo County, the furthest south a wolf has traveled since 1922.
After a journey of about 1,000 miles, his life ended tragically.
On November 10, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received a call from a truck driver about a dead coyote along a dirt road near Interstate 5.
California state officials arrived and after testing the track collar confirmed it was OR93.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted a full investigation and inspection and speak in a press release, “the wolf died of vehicle collision-related injury and was not suspected of foul play.”
Everyone is heartbroken by the terrible news.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of this remarkable wolf,” stated Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. “His epic travels throughout California have inspired the world. During this annual time of reflection, I thank him for the hope he has given us and a glimpse into what it will be like for the wolves to roam wild and free again. I just wish we could give him a safer world. California has to do more to stay connected with wildlife and protect animals like the OR-93 from car crashes.”
“This is an extremely sad ending to such a hopeful story,” speak Pamela Flick, California program director with Defenders of Wildlife. “The OR-93 made history with its incredible journey from near Hood in Oregon all the way to Ventura County, crossing major highways along the way. His tragic death along Interstate 5 underscores the need for more wildlife crossings across the state to facilitate safe animal travel and increase increased safety for humans. ”
Wolves used to roam freely in California but were wiped out in the 1920s. They are slowly returning to the state, but their population remains low. Gray wolves are listed as endangered in California and protected under the California Endangered Species Act. Hunting, killing or capturing gray wolves is illegal and there is no hunting season.
Sadly, the gray wolf was removed from the federal Endangered Species Act in January 2021 and is being slaughtered in several states.
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