For the first time in a century, an almost extinct mammal was observed close to a national monument: Since then, there has been a lot more activity in the region

 For the first time in a century, an almost extinct mammal was observed close to a national monument: Since then, there has been a lot more activity in the region

The LA Times reported that a gray wolf has been seen in southern California's Giant Sequoia National Monument for the first time in more than 100 years.

A large, gray dog was seen in the vicinity crossing a fire road, according to Michelle Harris, who observed the wolf in the region in early July.

Harris told the LA Times, "Afterwards it tilted its head back and let out a really decent wail." It doesn't look like a coyote, but it has something to do with it, right?, was all I could think.

According to the LA Times, further examination of the animal's footprints, hair, and scat revealed that it was a female gray wolf, the alpha of what is now known as the Tulare Pack.

Four of her children, two male and two female, arrived with her. Additionally, DNA testing revealed that they are direct offspring of the wolf OR-7, which made its appearance in California for the first time in 90 years in 2011.

The return of wolves in the region delighted environmentalists, who requested the U.S. Forest Service to suspend logging operations there until their effects on the endangered wolves could be evaluated.

However, not everyone is pleased with the news. According to the LA Times, livestock owners are concerned that their animals would end up as food for these enormous predators, but logging corporations are reluctant to halt their operations.

The initial plan to eradicate wolves across the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries was motivated by the same kind of dread. Sadly, the increasing deer and elk numbers resulted in unanticipated environmental impacts when an apex predator was eliminated.

The absence of wolves affects the whole ecology and environment, as it did in Yellowstone National Park, and their reintroduction might have a remarkable balancing effect.

Farmers and ranchers also have nothing to worry about since, according to the LA Times, California already has a mechanism in place for compensating the owners of livestock killed by wolves.

Harris said that the wolves themselves may have moved on until people figure out how to react to the new group.

Since July, I haven't seen any new indications of the pack, she added. Since then, there has been a lot more activity in the neighborhood. Perhaps they've relocated to a location with more space and quiet.