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This page deals with the wolverine, a Northern Region animal. For information about the Marvel Comics
superhero, see Wolverine (comics).
The Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest species of the Mustelidae family, and is also called the Glutton or Carcajou. It is the only
species currently classified in the genus
Gulo. Two subspecies are recognised, the Old World form Gulo gulo gulo and the New World form G. g. luscus.
The wolverine is a stocky and muscular omnivorous (but largely carnivorous) animal with brownish-black hair that can weigh up to 45kg (male), and is
70-90cm long with a 20cm tail. Its overall appearance looks somewhat like a small bear with
a long tail. It is considered to be very strong and ferocious and has been known to kill animals as large as caribou.
It is currently found in arctic regions such as northern Canada, Siberia and Scandinavia. Before the
widespread European settlement of North America, however, it was found as far south as California. The present worldwide wolverine population is unknown, although it appears that the animal has a
very low population density throughout its range.
The University of Michigan's sports teams are named
after the wolverine, although the animal is hardly a common sight in that state.
One was observed in February 2004 by hunters and biologists, marking the first time in roughly two
centuries a wolverine had been seen in Michigan. It is not known if that particular animal was a native of the state or if it had
come there on its own or with the aid of humans.
External link
Species account at the Wolverine Foundation's web site
dk:Jærv (Gulo borealis)
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