Wolverines of the Tundra

A wolverine looks like a cross between a weasel and a bear.

The largest member of the Mustelids, or the Weasel family, wolverines (Gulo gulo) are renown as fearless, aggressive hunters, and their bodies are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of their natural, winter environment. According to BigZoo.com, wolverines are largely considered the strongest mammal for their size and are notorious for frightening any creatures from their kills, even wolves, cougars and bears.

Physical Description

Wolverines look like a cross between a weasel, a badger and a bear. On average, this mammal weighs anywhere from 30 to 70 lbs., and with its magnificent tail can grow 1 1/2 feet tall with a 3- to 4-foot length. To endure the subzero temperatures of the habitat, the wolverine's fur grows dense and protects it against bitter cold and moisture, which can be a lethal combination for other animals. This coat is brown and black with a pair of yellowish stripes, similar to that of a skunk, extending down the length of the body. Large paws allow the wolverine to travel quickly across snow or ice obstacles, which impede prey.

Location and Habitat

National Geographic reports that wolverines live in the northern areas of North America, Europe and Asia. They prefer to roam a widespread area in search of food, and, therefore, opt for secluded expanses of tundra, alpine forests, grasslands and mountains. Rock crevices, abandoned burrows and beneath fallen trees are areas used by females to make nests for storing food leftover from large prey and as a safe place to give birth and care for young kits.

Diet and Behavior

Depending on food availability, wolverines will eat meat or even vegetation if necessary.

Eggs, rabbits, rodents and other small creatures encompass most of the wolverine's diet. However, with a supply of potential prey far from bountiful, the wolverine will eat nearly anything including fresh vegetation. Meat is the chief portion of this omnivore's diet, and, if it is not already dead, they will readily assault an injured sheep or caribou. Especially in winter, a wolverine will stop at nothing to get a meal even if that means digging into the burrows of hibernating animals or scavenging the leftovers of another predator's kill.

Reproduction

Typically, wolverines will have two or three kits (young) per litter.

Generally, a female wolverine gives birth to two or three kits each year (during late winter or early spring.) She protects them until they can take care of themselves, which can be as long as two years when they are old enough to reproduce. Adult male wolverines are rumored to be with several females each year. They mark their territory with a strong scent, which attracts females and wards against predators or other male wolverines.

References

• National Geographic: Wolverines
• San Francisco State University; The Biogeography of Gulo gulo (Wolverine); C. Breen; 2000
• The Big Zoo: Wolverine