Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
SPECIES PROFILE
Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
Gulo
IUCN STATUS
Special Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Special Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Boreal and subarctic zones across Canada from BC to Labrador; more common in the Yukon and NWT
DIET
Carnivore / Scavenger
HABITAT
Remote boreal forest, tundra, and subalpine areas; persistent snowpack essential for natal denning
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Gulo
📋 Description
SIZE
65–107 cm body length; 7–18 kg — the largest terrestrial mustelid
COLORATION
Dark brown to black with broad pale side stripes meeting at the rump; bushy tail; powerfully built with a large head
ADAPTATIONS
Semi-retractile claws and large paws for snowshoeing; incredibly strong jaw for crushing frozen carcasses; exceptional endurance over vast home ranges
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Remote boreal forest, tundra, and subalpine areas; persistent snowpack essential for natal denning
DIET
Carnivore / Scavenger
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Boreal and subarctic zones across Canada from BC to Labrador; more common in the Yukon and NWT
REPRODUCTION
Implantation delayed until winter; 1–5 kits born in a snow den in late winter; kits disperse at one year
DIET DETAILS
Carrion including ungulates, snowshoe hares, ground squirrels, lemmings, and berry crops in late summer
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Loss of persistent snowpack from climate change (required for natal dens); trapping; prey depletion; low reproductive rate
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Wolverines have one of the largest home ranges of any terrestrial carnivore for their body size — a single male may patrol over 1,000 km².
2
Despite weighing only 12 kg, wolverines have been documented driving wolves and cougars off carcasses; their fierce reputation is well-earned given their strength-to-weight ratio.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kluane National Park near Haines Junction, YT, supports wolverines in remote alpine and boreal habitat
Nahanni National Park Reserve, NT, has wolverines in wilderness boreal and mountain terrain
Jasper National Park, AB, is one of the more accessible national parks where wolverine tracks may be found in winter
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Remote boreal and subalpine terrain makes wolverine sightings rare; extended backcountry trips in Kluane (YT) or Nahanni (NWT) offer the best opportunities.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Year-round in remote boreal and subalpine areas; Kluane and Nahanni National Parks are your best chances on guided backcountry trips.
