Wolverine

Gulo gulo

Wolverine, Gulo gulo, is a large northern mustelid, more closely related to martens and weasels than to wolves. It lives at low densities across boreal forest, tundra, and high mountain regions of North America and Eurasia. A wolverine has heavy shoulders, broad snowshoe-like feet, a bushy tail, dark fur with pale side bands, and jaws strong enough to feed on frozen carrion. It scavenges from caribou, reindeer, elk, and other large animals, hunts smaller prey when available, and caches food in snow or rock crevices.

Captive wolverines are usually found only in accredited zoos or wildlife institutions. Their care calls for cool conditions, highly secure enclosures, digging and climbing opportunities, scent-based enrichment, and secluded den areas for females. In the wild, management relies on camera traps, hair-snag DNA sampling, telemetry, harvest regulation, and habitat connectivity planning because individuals range over large areas. Conservation concern is strongest where deep spring snow is declining, since females use snow-covered dens to raise kits and avoid disturbance.