Wolverine
Explore the powerful and wide-ranging carnivore of the North
What Is a Wolverine?
The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest member of the mustelid family and is well-known for its strength, endurance, and solitary nature. Found in remote northern ecosystems, this rugged carnivore plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by scavenging and preying on a diverse range of animals.
Once more widespread, wolverines now inhabit primarily boreal forests, alpine tundra, and Arctic regions. Their populations are scattered across the northern hemisphere, including North America, Scandinavia, and Russia. As a protected animal in many regions, the wolverine symbolizes the delicate balance between wilderness and human development.
Identifying Features and Wolverine Size
Wolverines have stocky, muscular bodies covered in dense brown fur with pale stripes across the sides and back.
Adult wolverines measure between 65–107 cm (26–42 in) in body length, with tails of 17–26 cm (7–10 in), and weigh between 8–18 kg (18–40 lb), with males typically larger than females.
They are built for survival in extreme climates and their powerful limbs, broad heads, and strong jaws allow them to travel long distances and scavenge for carcasses frozen in the snow.
Habitat and Behaviour
The wolverine’s range extends across the circumpolar North, primarily in Arctic and sub-Arctic habitats. These protected animals require large, undisturbed territories and prefer areas with persistent spring snow cover, which is critical for successful denning.
Wolverines are opportunistic feeders that hunt small mammals and birds, scavenge large carcasses like moose and deer, and cache food in snowbanks. Known for their independence and low population density, wolverines use scent-marking to establish territories and are mostly active during twilight and nighttime hours.
Conservation and Recovery
IUCN status: Least Concern (global), with regional protections.
Wolverines face growing threats from habitat fragmentation, climate change, and human activity. As warming temperatures reduce snowpack, crucial denning habitats shrink and affect reproduction and survival. Additionally, large infrastructure projects, trapping, and land-use changes continue to disrupt their already limited range.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving expansive, snow-covered habitats and implementing protective regulations in sensitive areas. Their wide-ranging behavior makes it vital to maintain connected landscapes and minimize disturbance for long-term wolverine survival.
Fast Facts About the Wolverine
Wolverines are the largest land-dwelling mustelids.
They can travel up to 30 km (18 mi) a day in search of food.
Wolverines depend on late spring snow for successful denning.
Their scientific name, Gulo gulo, means "glutton" in Latin.
They are classified as protected animals in parts of North America and Europe.