COMMON NAME (S): Wolverine (carcajou)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gulo gulo

CLASSIFICATION: Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae

DESCRIPTION: Length: 3-4 feet (including tail)
Height at the shoulder: 16-17 inches.
Weight: 20-40 pounds.
General: Wolverines are the largest of the North American terrestrial weasels. Coats vary from a dark to pale brown. They have a distinctive yellowish band that extends along the side of the body. The feet are broad and furred with large claws.

RANGE: Some of the Western United States.

HABITAT: Remote subartic forests, tundra and mountain wilderness.

STATUS: General: Stable.
WA State: Protected; Rare.

DIET: Consists primarily of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates.

REPRODUCTION: Breeding season extends from April through July. The pregnancy period can extend from 8 to 10 months which includes a variable period of delayed implantation. Generally, the female gives birth to 2-3 young. At birth the kit weighs an average of 3.5 ounces.

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years.

BEHAVIOR: Wolverines are nomadic. Males may have individual territories of up to 241 square miles. Each animal marks his boundaries with musk, feces and urine. Due to their strength and tenacity, wolverines fear little and have been known to drive away bears. However, when they encounter anything completely strange or new, their first reaction is to run. As solitary animals, wolverines are not very vocal but when angered can produce loud guttural sounds. They may be active any time during day or night.

SOURCES: Sleek and Savage - Delphine Haley
Furbearing Animals of North America - L. L. Rue