OR-93: A Trailblazing Trek

"If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path."

This StoryMap tells the story of OR-93, a courageous wolf with incredible adaptability and strong survival instincts that allowed him to venture throughout California for 284 days. OR-93 was the first wolf to travel to the Central Coast in 200 to 300 years.

Wolves have had a long history throughout the United States, and are just beginning the next chapter of their story in California. Wolves that venture into California are a symbol of hope that wolves will begin to permanently reestablish themselves. This is the start of wolves becoming an integral part to California wildlife and ecosystems yet again.

Gray wolves, also known as Canis lupus, can weigh in at up to 175 pounds, and be 81 inches long, living approximately 8 years in the wild. These animals are known to survive in practically any habitat across the Northern hemisphere, with the exception of tropical forests, and historically, had the greatest natural range of any living terrestrial mammal. Gray wolves are keystone predators and can take down very large prey while hunting in a pack, which typically consists of five to eight wolves.

"The application of GIS is limited only by the imagination of those who use it."

The Beckwourth wolf pack was established in May 2021, a mere three months after OR-93 passed that very same spot. OR-93 is quite literally a trailblazer, making his own path, and inviting other wolves to dare to venture into California as well. His trek, although cut short, will remain as an incredible feat that truly influenced the future of wolves in California.

"He was simply doing what wolves do, heading out on his own, searching for a mate. I always knew the odds of his finding another wolf on the Central Coast were slim to none, but his relentless wanderings seeking a kindred spirit connected him to the hearts of so many. He won't be forgotten, and we'll honor his memory by continuing to fight for the safety of wolves everywhere."