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150 Featured Specimen
Wolverine

Details

Wolverine

Gulo gulo

Size
0.7–1.1 m · 7–25 kg
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Cathemeral
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan
10-20 years

The wolverine is a solitary mustelid of northern forests and cold regions. Cathemeral and wide-ranging, it travels over large areas.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
PalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses boreal forest, tundra edges, and snowy mountains. Large ranges and secure resting sites in snow or rock are important.

Appearance

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.

Behavior

It ranges alone and may be active by day or night. Scent marks define space, and food may be cached for later use.

Feeding

It is omnivorous, using carrion, small animals, birds, eggs, and berries. It can dig through snow and chew frozen meat with powerful jaws.

Reproduction

Young are raised in secure dens, often under snow. The mother ranges widely for food while protecting them until they grow.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Because it depends on broad cold landscapes, changing snow cover and development can matter locally.