Grey fox in Santa Cruz mountains. Photo courtesy of Dana Weigand
Posted: Thursday, September 3, 2015
Trail
camera’s belonging to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
captured evidence that the grey wolves are back in California. It has
been almost 100 years since grey wolves have lived in this state even
though some had temporarily wandered down from Oregon.
In
2011, OR7, a wolf that had been radio-collared in Oregon, wandered into
California on a temporary excursion. In 2015, two adult grey wolves and
five pups were detected in Siskiyou County, CA. CDFW Director; Charlton
H. Bonham said “This news is exciting for California.” However farmers
and cattlemen may not be as enthusiastic. CDFW is working with
stakeholders to create a Draft Wolf Management Plan that will soon be
released.
In Northern
California, some people may have the rare opportunity to observe those
five wolf cubs. However, in Northern Santa Cruz County four grey fox
cubs, or kits, have been cited in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dana
Weigand, from Felton, said “the pups were so cute. We think the fox
family was living under our neighbor’s house while the pups were very
little.”
Whereas the grey wolf
may grow to weigh 150 pounds, the grey fox may only get to less than 20
pounds. If you travel to Siskiyou County and come near a grey wolf, you
may want to avoid getting near to it. CDFW recommends that people never
approach a wolf. If you see one near by, “Do not run. Make eye contact
and act aggressively, making noise while retreating slowly.”
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Gray-Wolf/FAQ If you see a grey fox, it will most likely run from you.
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