In the past year, there have been sightings of a mysterious bear-like creature in several cities in northwestern Oregon. These appearances have been described as rare and elusive.
In a recent occurrence, the animal made unexpected appearances in a coastal city. Surprisingly, it reappeared twice more in just a few days, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s statement on March 25 shared via Facebook.
Wildlife officials have officially confirmed the identity of the animal as a wolverine. It is important to note that wolverines are federally protected animals and have been classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
According to wildlife officials, the wolverine was initially sighted on March 10 in Nehalem. It was then spotted again five days later in Netarts.
Officials reported that the animal made its way south along the coastline and was spotted in Newport on March 21.
According to wildlife officials, there is a high possibility that the wolverine in question is the same individual.
Despite the recent sightings of the wolverine in northwestern Oregon, officials have clarified that it does not indicate the establishment of a wolverine population in the area. Wolverines are known to travel across landscapes in their search for a suitable habitat, rather than settling down in one place.
Past sightings
In February, a wolverine was also seen swiftly running away from Oregon Route 99E in Barlow, as reported by McClatchy News.
In 2023, there were a handful of sightings of the animal.
On March 20, 2023, a wolverine was captured on camera as it sprinted along the Columbia River near Portland. Two days later, the same wolverine was spotted in Damascus.
On April 6, 2023, the creature made another appearance as it was seen crossing Highway 20 near Santiam Pass in the Central Cascades area.
Last year, officials stated that it is possible that the sightings of a wolverine are of the same individual, considering the timing, locations, and trajectory of travel. However, they were unable to confirm this.
Where are wolverines found?
According to officials from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wolverines are predominantly found in Alaska and Canada. However, smaller populations have also been reported in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, wolverine sightings in Oregon are considered rare given that there are fewer than 400 wolverines in the lower 48 states.
Wolverines are usually found in regions with higher elevations and areas that have a significant amount of snowpack, according to officials.
Animals have been spotted in Oregon for many years, despite the belief that they disappeared from the state in 1936.
Wolverine sightings were reported in various counties across Oregon from the 1960s to the 1990s. These counties include Linn, Harney, Wheeler, Deschutes, and Grant.
During a monitoring project from 2010 to 2012, officials discovered the presence of three wolverines in northeastern Oregon. Additionally, there was a recent sighting of another wolverine in Wallowa County, which is located in northeastern Oregon, in 2022.
What to know about wolverines
According to Oregon Wild, an environmental organization, wolverines may resemble small bears, but they actually belong to the weasel family.
These animals generally weigh around 30 to 55 pounds and are characterized by their thick, blackish-brown coats.
According to the organization, some individuals possess a unique silver face mask and stripes that extend from their shoulders to their rump along their sides.
According to Oregon wildlife officials, they also possess round ears, small eyes, a humped back, short legs, and a “bushy” and drooping tail.
Photos show a rarely seen predator tearing up a Texas beach as onlookers exclaim, “Look at it dig!”
A determined creature refuses to move from a road in Washington until a persuasive police officer comes to the rescue.
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