The wolverine is the largest member of the family Mustelidae (weasel, ferret, martens), though its appearance is bear-like. The wolverine is a heavily built animal, immensely strong for its size and capable of killing animals larger than itself. Known for their feistiness, members of the mustelidae family are often known as fearless. The wolverine was historically distributed throughout the northern part of the lower 48 southward to the northernmost tier of the United States from Maine to Washington State. It extended south along the Sierra-Cascade axis through Oregon into the southern Sierra Nevada in California and along the Rocky Mountains into Arizona and New Mexico. Today wolverine populations in the United States seem to be extensions of Canadian populations. There are known populations that exist in Idaho and Montana.

What do wolverines look like?

The wolverine has a broad and rounded head, with small eyes and short round ears. It has short legs, with a thick, glossy dark brown coat. The wolverine has a light, silvery facial mask. Like other members of the mustelidae family, wolverines communicate through vocalizations and scent markings.

What do wolverines eat?

Although largely carnivorous, wolverines also feed on berries.

What type of habitat do wolverines need?

Wolverines need large pieces of undeveloped forested lands. They are solitary animals, mainly ground-dwelling, but they can climb trees. Each male holds a large territory with 2 or 3 females and mates in the summer.