Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

Mammal Mustelid Carnivore

Overview

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family and one of the toughest carnivores of the far north. Bear-like in appearance but built like an oversized mustelid, it is famous for its strength, endurance, and ability to thrive in cold, remote landscapes.

Wolverines range over enormous territories in search of food and are most associated with snowy boreal and tundra environments, where their wide feet help them travel over deep snow.

Conservation note: the wolverine as a species is widespread across the circumpolar north, though some regional populations are of greater concern and the species is sensitive to disturbance and changing snow conditions. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Classification

The wolverine is a mustelid — the family that includes weasels, otters, badgers, and martens — and the largest member of that family that lives on land.

Habitat & Range

Wolverines inhabit boreal forest, taiga, and alpine tundra across northern Europe, northern and central Asia, and northern North America. They favour cold regions with persistent snow and large, undisturbed areas, and individual animals can range across very large territories.

Diet & Feeding

Wolverines are opportunistic carnivores and powerful scavengers. They hunt small and medium animals and rely heavily on carrion, especially in winter, using strong jaws and teeth to feed on frozen carcasses and bone. They are known to cache food to return to later.

Behavior & Social Life

Wolverines are largely solitary and territorial, covering great distances as they patrol and forage. They are active across the day and night and are renowned for their stamina in difficult terrain. Scent-marking helps them maintain territories in their vast, sparsely populated range.

Appearance & Recognition

Wolverines have a stocky, muscular body, short legs, large paws, and a bushy tail. The dark brown coat is typically marked with a paler band that runs along each side from the shoulders to the rump. The bear-like build combined with weasel-family features makes the wolverine distinctive.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Because they need large, undisturbed, snowy habitats, wolverines are sensitive to human disturbance, habitat fragmentation, and changing conditions in the north. Conservation focuses on protecting connected wilderness. For current status and regional context, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the wolverine