Pioneering Wolf Treks Across Sierra Nevada to Inyo County

The 3-year-old female wolf known as BEY03F becomes the first documented wolf in Inyo County in over a century

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:19am

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex journey of the pioneering gray wolf BEY03F as she traverses the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains.The pioneering journey of the gray wolf BEY03F, who has become the first documented wolf in Inyo County in over a century, reflects the remarkable resurgence of this endangered species in California.Los Angeles Today

A 3-year-old female wolf that previously made headlines for venturing into Los Angeles County has now crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains and arrived in Inyo County, marking the first documented wolf presence in the Eastern Sierra region in more than 100 years. The wolf, known as BEY03F, has already traveled hundreds of miles from her birthplace in Plumas County and is likely still searching for a mate.

Why it matters

The wolf's journey highlights the steady resurgence of the endangered gray wolf population in California, which was nearly wiped out a century ago. While conservationists celebrate this comeback, the presence of wolves in new areas also raises concerns from some ranchers about potential livestock predation.

The details

BEY03F, a 3-year-old female wolf with black fur, entered Inyo County around 7 a.m. on Sunday, about 20 miles south of Mt. Whitney. She has since pushed deeper into the county, west of the community of Bartlett. Experts believe her ability to quickly traverse the Sierra Nevada was aided by a low snowpack this season. BEY03F has already covered over 1,000 miles, crossing dangerous freeways multiple times, in her search for a mate. She was previously collared in Tulare County after leaving her birth pack in Plumas County.

  • BEY03F entered Inyo County around 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • By early Monday afternoon, April 7, 2026, she had moved west of the community of Bartlett in Inyo County.

The players

BEY03F

A 3-year-old female wolf with black fur that has been making a historic journey across California, including a previous visit to Los Angeles County.

Axel Hunnicutt

The gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

John Marchwick

A member of the educational group California Wolf Watch.

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What they’re saying

“She was 'able to amazingly quickly cross quite mountainous terrain.' 'I don't think I could do that in three days.'”

— Axel Hunnicutt, Gray wolf coordinator, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

“It's a good educational opportunity for people to learn what a dispersing wolf is' — i.e., one who makes one-way, unpredictable movements in search of mate and territory — and it's great to see that she's doing it in a historical context that's getting more people to care about wolves.”

— John Marchwick, Member, California Wolf Watch

What’s next

State wildlife officials have alerted Inyo County authorities about BEY03F's presence, prompting them to take non-lethal measures to prepare for the potential arrival of more wolves in the area.

The takeaway

The journey of the pioneering wolf BEY03F underscores the remarkable resurgence of the endangered gray wolf population in California, even as their return raises new challenges around managing the coexistence of wolves and livestock in the state.