Wolverine spotted in Eugene suspected to be same one seen on Oregon Coast

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A wolverine was spotted running through the streets of Eugene Thursday.

A Eugene resident, Willie Gonia, took to Reddit to share a video they took of the mammal bolting up the road, saying they had spotted it out their window and then ran out to the street for a better look.

“Looked out my window to see a weird animal running by,” said Gonia in the post. “I ran outside to get a better look and he had turned around and ran by again! Talked to Fish And Wildlife. They say he came from Florence and before that, Portland. Apparently they get around! Pretty crazy.”

There has been a recent string of wolverine sightings in Oregon, including several along the Oregon Coast and even a sighting just south of Portland a month ago.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife told KOIN 6 News that they do believe it is the same wolverine that was spotted along the coast.

“This wolverine is likely dispersing to a new area where it can survive and hopefully reproduce,” said Beth Quillian with ODFW. “Wolverines need high‐elevation habitat (alpine areas with dense snowpack), but young wolverines often disperse long distances to establish new territory.  Wolverine, a rare species in Oregon, are the largest member of the weasel family and resemble a small bear. They can travel over 30 miles in a day so it’s not surprising that this wolverine has covered so much ground.”

ODFW warns that if you do spot the wolverine to report the sighting to their district office and to not chase after it, as it could stress the animal.

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