Family: Mustelidae, Weasels view all from this family

Description Largest member of the weasel family, with a pair of yellowish bands running from shoulder to rump. Has a large head and a short, stout neck. Typically holds tail and head low while walking with an arched back.

Dimensions 94-107cm, 22-26cm, 11.3-16.2kg; / 86-93cm, 21-25cm, 6.6-14.8kg

Warning The Wolverine shies from human contact but is a fierce and fearless carnivore best left alone.

Breeding Breeding is in spring, summer, and fall, and delayed implantation results in 1-5 young born in February-April. Maximum lifespan is about 5 years in the wild. Dens are excavated in snow, under uprooted trees, or in rocky crevices.

Habitat Alpine & subalpine habitats, Forests & woodlands

Range Rocky Mountains, Southwest, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, Alaska

Discussion Wide-ranging, solitary scavengers and predators of Caribou and smaller prey, such as ground squirrels, snowshoe hares, and ptarmigan. Mainly nocturnal, but occasionally out in the daytime. Lives at low densities in tundra and forested habitats.