The verdict is in. Nevada’s latest wildlife mystery solved.
Scientists began trekking through the snow near the Idaho line to gather evidence like detectives searching for a suspect, hoping to determine that the three animals discovered during a helicopter survey in March were not wolves. They relied on fecal and fur samples collected during the period. Not all, but rather a group of cunning coyotes.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife announced this week that DNA testing confirmed the results with 99.9% certainty.
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The sighting in northeastern Nevada near Mount Merritt, about 90 miles north of Elko, initially caused great excitement because it was only the second time in 100 years that a wolf had been sighted in the state.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife has spent the past two years trying to figure out why the movement of elk has increased from Idaho to Nevada in recent years, and has gone to great lengths to set the record straight with extensive DNA testing. It took a lot of effort.
Prior to 2018, only a few elk had been sighted in Nevada over the past century. Experts estimate the number is now over 100, and as scientists continue to study elk population and demographic trends, the Nevada Wildlife Commission will conduct the state’s first approved an elk hunting season for only two animals.
A wolf (left) seen at the Colorado Wolf Wildlife Center and a coyote (right) seen in a snowy California parking lot. Scientists spotted three animals from a helicopter over Nevada and suspected they were wolves, which are extremely rare in the state, but extensive DNA testing revealed they were actually coyotes. (Left: Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images / Right: Teyfan Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Some speculated that the wolves were chasing the moose. Wolves are among the predators chasing young elk in the northern Rocky Mountains, and ranchers blame them for livestock deaths, but scientists have found no evidence of this in Nevada. .
State biologists continued their own helicopter search after a helicopter contractor searching for moose as part of Nevada’s collar project spotted three wolf-like animals on March 17. Afterwards, a ground survey of the area was conducted using snowmobiles.
They were able to track footprints with dimensions consistent with wolves, set up trail cameras, and eventually collect some hair, fecal and urine samples for DNA analysis.
The agency’s director, Alain Jenne, said in announcing the DNA results on Monday that what made this study different from others was what was applied to the samples, including sending them to two independent labs instead of just one. He said it was a rigorous inspection.
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“We appreciate the diligence of our biologists, the support of our laboratory staff, and the cooperation of the public throughout this process, and we will continue to monitor the area for signs of wolf presence,” Jenne said. Told.
In 2017, a gray wolf was recorded near the California line west of the Black Rock Desert, about 190 miles north of Reno, Nevada. It was later determined to be a single visitor associated with the Shasta population in Northern California. Prior to that, the last confirmed wolf sighting in Nevada was in 1922 near Gold Creek in Elko County.
“We understand the importance of sightings like this and the importance of accurate identification,” Jenne said. “NDOW will continue to work closely with state and federal agencies to uphold our mission to protect Nevada’s ecosystems and wildlife, while maintaining transparency as a top priority in all communications with the public. Masu.”
