Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

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Wolverine (Mustelidae: Gulo gulo)

The Wolverine is the largest species of the weasel family (Mustelidae). It is found in the northern half of the Northern Boreal Forest and throughout the arctic tundra. The species also occurs in the mountains of the western United States, but nearly always near tree line. The Wolverine has been nearly extirpated from its original range in the United States. The Wolverine also lives in the same types of habitats in Europe and Asia.

Characteristic Features: The Wolverine is a large animal (for a weasel) and is strong, stocky, and chunky. The length of a Wolverine from head to the base of the tail ranges from 30 to 32 inches, and the animal's weight varies between 35 to 60 pounds. The species, although related to weasels, has more the manner and behavior of a bear. The fur is dark brown, commonly with a lighter, diffuse line along each side of the body. Some Wolverines have a whitish mask over the eyes, although the mask is absent in other individuals (such as the one in the photographs on the left). A yellowish or whitish patch of fur is commonly found on the throat.

Similar Species: All other North American weasels are much small and thinner than the Wolverine.

Habitat: The Wolverine lives in the sparse boreal forests in the northern half of the Taiga. It is also spread across the arctic tundra. The Wolverine lives near the tree line on the mountains of the western United States.

Food: Wolverines will eat just about any form of meat that comes their way. They hunt small mammals including rodents and rabbits, birds and bird eggs, insects, and are ardent scavengers of carrion. Wolverines have been reported to be able to pull down larger mammals such as caribou, but predation on large mammals is probably not common.

Behavior: Wolverines are generally solitary predators except during the breeding season when pairs may travel together. They are active both during the day and at night. Wolverines are notorious scavengers and thieves. In older days Wolverines used to follow trap lines, steal the bait or prey in the traps, destroy the traps, and hide the pieces. They did not endear themselves to trappers. There are many stories of Wolverines breaking into cabins and stealing every plate, pot, knife, and kettle and hiding the loot in the woods. The Wolverine is said to be very intelligent and ferocious in defense of itself and its young.

Reproduction: Young are born between February and April in a den dug in the snow.