Animal Facts About Michigan Wolverines
Wolverines are the largest member of the weasel family. They tend to be solitary wanderers, traveling upwards of 40 miles a day in search of food. Because of their affinity for long-distance roaming, wolverines can typically be found in the tundra, taiga and boreal forest habitats of the northern latitudes. In North America, they reside in Idaho, Alaska and northern Canada. Wolverines are typically not found in the state of Michigan.
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Wolverines in Michigan?
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Fur traders in the early 1800s were the last known groups to confirm regular wolverine sightings in the state of Michigan. Because of this, the popular link forged between the animal and the state is somewhat perplexing. Historians believe the association may have been derived from the state's trade of wolverine furs in the 18th century. In 2004, a wildlife biologist spotted and photographed a wolverine as it ran across a field in Michigan. This sighting has reignited the debate as to whether wolverines were ever a part of the state's recent past, according to David Runk of the Associated Press.
Appearance
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Adult wolverines are about as big as medium-sized dogs. From head to tail, they average 33 to 44 inches in length and usually weigh between 24 and 40 pounds. Wolverines resemble small bears because of their heavy blackish-brown fur.
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Eating Habits
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Wolverines are powerful and have incredibly strong jaws. Because they are omnivores, they eat a wide variety of foods. Wolverines eat plants and berries in the summer. However, the bulk of their diet comes from meat. Wolverines easily catch and kill small prey such as rabbits and rodents. Occasionally, they will attack larger animals such as Caribou. Wolverines are also known to feed on carrion. A natural 90-degree inward turn of their upper molar allow wolverines to crunch through frozen meat.
Reproduction
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Male wolverines are territorial and leave scent-marking odors. However, they do share land with female wolverines and tend to live polygamously. Females typically give birth to two or three kits in the late winter or early spring. Newborns live with their mother until they are about 2 years old and are ready to reproduce on their own. The average life span of a wild wolverine is between 7 and 12 years.
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References
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