The Redditor later revealed that they stumbled across the creature several years ago. The photos came from a three-day visit to Cracker Lake in 2017. "My wife and I had planned a backpacking trip in the park, but it was a really bad wildfire year," the poster recalled. "Shortly after we booked, the park closed all reservations due to the wildfires, so when we got to the lake, no one else was there and we had it to ourselves for the three days, with only an occasional day hiker visiting the area."
That's when the mystery animal made it's appearance.
"Either the first or second night, the wind was absolutely whipping around the canyon we are in, and the air is thick with smoke, and we are quietly cooking our food in the designated food prep area, when my wife turns to her side and sees this guy about 10 feet from us," the poster said.
Several commenters quickly recognized the mystery animal as a Wolverine. And no, we're not talking about Hugh Jackman either.
One wrote, "Yeah that's one of the rarest mammals in North America. The Wolverine. Really really cool. Super jealous. They're one of those animals that even the biologists who study them have a hard time spotting."
Mystery Animal Is Wolverine
"Wolverine baby! You're so lucky to see one IRL [in real life]," another wrote. Yet another wrote, "Omg a Wolverine!!!!!!" Still, another wrote, "OMG what an amazing sighting. That shot with the face is a beautiful and clear picture too. I'm so jealous, getting to see a real wolverine in the wild is so special."
The original poster added, "[It] reared up a little bit on its hind legs when I stood up surprised, then started scampering away when I fumbled for my camera.... These are some of the better pictures I managed to get before it basically scaled up the side of the mountain we were next to."
Regina Domingo, a conservationist and wildlife expert, said that Wolverine sightings will become more rare.
"It is estimated that due to climate change, within 30 years, about 30 percent of wolverine habitat in the lower 48 states will be gone," it adds. "Within about 70 years, an estimated 60 percent of their habitat will be lost in the lower 48 states. With snowpack melting earlier, scientists project wolverine habitat will shrink significantly by the end of the century."
