The wolverine is the biggest land dwelling species of the weasel
family. They live primarily in isolated northern areas of tundra
and mauntains in the artic regions of Alaska, Canada, Siberia and
Scandiavia. Wolverines are predators and a solitary hunter. They
weigh 9-25 kg and have a body length of 70-85 cm.
Their prey is primarily reindeer and rodents, but they have been
known to kill prey as large as moose, although most typically this
occurs when these are weakened by winter or caught in snowbanks.
They are actually poor hunters and often need the advantages of
their habbitat. They often feed on carrion left by other predators
instead of hunting for themselves.
Wolverines are armed with powerful jaws and a thick hide and may
defend kills or fight for carrions against larger or more numerous
predators. They have a jaw pressure of 4 ton and are agile and strong
enough to climb trees.
The wolverine requires a huge territory. The range of a male wolverine
can be more than 620 km² (240 sq miles) while encompassing
the ranges of several females. Although living in the same territory,
the male and female keep seperate, appart from mating season, and
avoid confrontation with each other by using scent marking to indicate
where they are.
They mate during summer. Females will often not produce young if
food is scarce. Litters of typically two or three young are born
in the spring. The litter develop rapidly, reaching adult size within
the first year of a lifespan that may reach anywhere from five to
thirteen years.
Join us on our predator guiding and experience our wolverines in
action!
