A rare male gray wolf has been detected roaming an Oregon Indian reservation, state fish and game officials said on Monday, days after wildlife managers ordered a review that could lessen state protections for once-decimated populations of the species.
The animal, dubbed OR-25 for its satellite-tracking collar number, was born about two years ago into an Oregon pack but had been living in Washington state until recently, said Michelle Dennehy with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Detected by signals picked up from its radio collar, it is the third lone male identified in central Oregon since 2013, and wildlife officials say at least eight breeding pairs have also whelped pups in the state in recent years.