Details
Gulo gulo
The wolverine is a solitary mustelid of northern forests and cold regions. Cathemeral and wide-ranging, it travels over large areas.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses boreal forest, tundra edges, and snowy mountains. Large ranges and secure resting sites in snow or rock are important.
Body length is about 65-105 cm and weight about 7-25 kg. A stocky body, broad feet, dense fur, and strong jaws suit travel in snow.
It ranges alone and may be active by day or night. Scent marks define space, and food may be cached for later use.
It is omnivorous, using carrion, small animals, birds, eggs, and berries. It can dig through snow and chew frozen meat with powerful jaws.
Young are raised in secure dens, often under snow. The mother ranges widely for food while protecting them until they grow.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Because it depends on broad cold landscapes, changing snow cover and development can matter locally.
