wolverine sighting July 2001 or 2002
Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:04 am
Every year I spend 30-40 days backpacking in the Sierra, about 1/2 off trail. I can not recall if it was July 2001 or 2002. Anyways I had a clear unobstructed sighting of a Wolverine of considerable size, I estimate 30-40 pounds. It was brief 5-10 seconds. The animal was on a snow bank at a distance of approximately 50 meters. It was startled by my presence, it looked straight at me and then took off. I watched it move for approximately 20 meters until it left my view. I retreated to my pack and grabbed my camera and continued up the drainage in hopes of another glimpse. I did not see the animal again. I did not thoroughly seek out foot prints. In my mind, I replayed this encounter countless times, spook with rangers, old timers, and biologists. It took a year of persistent research. I finally discovered a book about the sierra, printed in the 60's, a description of the range and habitat of the wolverine in the sierra. Bingo. I immediately uploaded several photos of wolverine. There could be no mistake. I absolutely, with out doubt had the good fortune of sighting an extremely rare sierra wolverine. I was several 100 meters off trail between Mt. Izaak Walton and Red Slate.
Elevation of was approximately 10,800 ft. I would like to know of other additional sightings. I am familiar with the sighting 3/2008 and the research conducted north of Yosemite. Are there any other hiker out there who can share a similar experience.
Elevation of was approximately 10,800 ft. I would like to know of other additional sightings. I am familiar with the sighting 3/2008 and the research conducted north of Yosemite. Are there any other hiker out there who can share a similar experience.