THE ANIMAL FILES

Wolverine

Gulo gulo

A wolverine can turn another predator’s leftovers into a winter resource.

Wolverines are mustelids with broad paws, strong claws and thick fur. They hunt as well as scavenge, and carrion becomes particularly important in winter and early spring. Stored food and scent marking connect their movements across large, cold landscapes.[1]

Follow the evidence ↓
Wolverine
Image: Zefram · Commons · CC BY 2.5
Family
Mustelidae, not the bear family[1]
Winter food
Carrion is especially important[1]
Feet
Broad, five-toed paws with claws[1]

A body for rough ground

Short legs end in broad paws and strong claws that help on snow, trees and steep terrain. Thick, oily fur resists wetting and frost. The animal’s outline may evoke a small bear, but its relationships are with mustelids. Names and resemblance need to be separated from evolutionary identity.[1]

Hunting and scavenging

Carrion, including remains left by wolves or lynx, can provide much food. Wolverines also take live prey, often animals easier to obtain in winter or at vulnerable stages. Feeding differs among regions. A reputation for voracity should not turn occasional kills of large animals into the claim that every meal involves overpowering a giant.[1]

Reserves and messages

Food can be cached during plenty, an important resource for lactating females during scarce winter and early spring periods. Urine and scent-gland secretions are used in marking. The stored food changes when energy is available, while marks leave information after the individual has travelled elsewhere.[1]

A COMMON MIX-UP

Does the name mean a wolverine is a small bear?

No. It belongs to the mustelid family.[1]

TRY A LITTLE REASONING

How could fewer wolf kills affect an animal that also hunts for itself?

Reveal the explanation

Carrion left by wolves is a food source, so changes in that supply can alter scavenging opportunities.[1]

Sources & editorial notes

Adapted and translated from the cited Wikipedia revisions, with source-linked reasoning. Image credit and licence are listed separately above.

Adapted and translated from Wikipedia contributors; exact revisions are linked below. CC BY-SA 4.0

  1. Wikipedia contributors — Gulo gulo (adapted and translated; exact revision)
  2. NCBI Taxonomy — Gulo gulo (identity and game lineage)

Last fact check:

One discovery leads to another

European badgerAn underground home needs bedding, not just tunnels.Meles meles ↗FerretA “war dance” can be an invitation to play.Mustela putorius furo ↗American badgerA striped face leads a body built to move soil.Taxidea taxus ↗