A species believed to have died out 100 years ago has now appeared in a park(Image: California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Deadly predator thought to be extinct spotted for first time in 100 years, sparking urgent warning

by · Irish Mirror

A deadly apex predator thought to be extinct has been spotted in the US for the first time in 100 years.

The species was believed to have been hunted to the point of non-existence in the Lassen Volcanic National Park era but a sighting last month indicates the grey wolves species is recovering. A mother, father, and their two pups were spotted after it was said to have been hunted to extinction in the 1920s.

With the small pack now found in the Northern Californian forest, officials from the California Wolf Watch say they are expecting drastic changes to the ecosystem where the grey wolves were found. It is hoped the endangered species recovers to provide a slow resurgence of canines in the area.

Four grey wolves were confirmed to be roaming the Lassen Volcanic National Park(Image: California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Grey wolves were once the apex predator of the Lassen Volcanic National Park and their reappearance has shocked experts who say the pack may be "utilising portions of the park" as their habitat. In a rare statement from the group, they did confirm the location of the wolves.

They said: "While we do not normally share locations of wolves in this California, because it is in a national park and local media have been reporting on it, we did want to confirm with the public that this is correct. While grey wolves have been confirmed dispersing through the park such as OR-54, a female wolf born in 2016 to Oregon's Rogue Pack, this is the first time a pack has been confirmed inside the national park."

The wolves are yet to be named and it is unknown what pack the breeding adults are from but it does mark the first sighting of grey wolves in the area for 100 years, the Daily Mail reported. Lassen Volcanic National Park was once a stomping ground for grey wolves but hunters and a lack of federal protection left them so culled it was assumed they were extinct.

California Wolf Watch has since confirmed the park is also home to other endangered animals, revealing: "Lassen Volcanic National Park is also home to one of the only known breeding populations of endangered Sierra Nevada Red Foxes, which is significant because there’s evidence this species will benefit from the return of grey wolves back to California.

"When wolves were extirpated from California by 1924, Sierra Nevada Red Foxes have been negatively impacted and outcompeted by coyotes so with the return of wolves to California, it is anticipated wolves will be reducing coyote numbers leading to a potential increase in Sierra Nevada Red Foxes. Something similar was observed in Yellowstone after wolves were reintroduced back to the park in 1995-1996 with an increase of red fox sightings occurred after wolves were reintroduced."

Those hiking through the area are still advised to carry bear spray as it was made clear the wolves are roaming populated parts of the park.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Clickthis linkto receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.