Critically Endangered Gray Wolf Completes 1,000-Mile Journey Across Three U.S. States Before Dying While Seeking a Mate

According to the British Daily Mail on the 8th, a gray wolf that traveled 14,020 kilometers across three states in the United States for the purpose of finding a mate tragically died. Currently, state officials are investigating the specific cause of death.

This gray wolf was identified as 'OR-54,' a male wolf approximately 3 to 4 years old. According to US animal protection staff, 'OR-54' likely was born in Oregon in 2016, and was the offspring of 'OR-7,' which was the first wolf to return to California in over a century. Since entering California, it has traveled approximately 14,020 kilometers, crossing Oregon, California, and Arkansas.

Locally on February 5th, it was found dead in Shasta County, California. The National Wildlife Refuge has not released the cause of death, and state officials are investigating the case.

It is reported that the gray wolf was deliberately poisoned and shot by humans due to threats to livestock. Currently, gray wolves are endangered species and are protected under the 'California Endangered Species Act.' Anyone intentionally killing it will face imprisonment.

'We hope'OR-54'died of natural causes, not a non-natural death. The wolf's return is an important milestone for our state, and most Californians hope to see it here. This indicates that wolves may appear in California or wolf packs.'