Return of the Gray Wolf to Sequoia National Park

A historic gray wolf that captivated biologists when it wandered into Los Angeles County earlier this year has now made its way to Sequoia National Park. This marks the first recorded return of the species to California in over a century.

The female wolf, named BEY03F, was initially spotted on a trail camera near Lancaster in February. State officials believe she is the first gray wolf confirmed in Southern California in the last 100 years.

Now roughly three years old, this adventurous predator is journeying deeper into the interior of California. According to reports, her journey signifies “the resilience, connectivity, and future of wolves in our state.”

Born in the Bayem Sayo Pack in Northern California’s Plumas County, BEY03F has traveled hundreds of miles since leaving her home. Her path has included diverse landscapes—deserts, mountains, and even perilous highway crossings.

Gray wolves once roamed freely across California, but they were driven to extinction by the early 1900s due to eradication campaigns aimed at protecting livestock. The last wild wolf in California was shot in Lassen County in 1924.

After a long absence, wolves began to return to California from Oregon in 2011, and wildlife officials estimate about 60 now live in the state, primarily in the northern regions. Though there are currently no known wolf packs in Southern California, BEY03F’s journey raises hopes that these apex predators may reclaim some of their historical territory.