Wolverine

Living primarily in the Arctic and sub-arctic regions of the world, this mammal preys on small mammals or scavenges. The wolverine or gulo gulo, is the largest member of the weasel family. It lives up to the meaning of its scientific name, which translates to "glutton" because it attacks any prey it meets. This carnivore will eat a wide variety of foods and doesn't care if it's dead or alive when it finds it.

The wolverine is a large terrestrial carnivore that exhibits remarkable ferocity even when faced with animals much larger than it, including humans. It too uses the strong odor of musk to warn trespassers off his territory. Inhabiting a large range, the wolverine may have several nests scattered throughout its territory. It is also a good climber and has a highly developed sense of smell.

All hostilities towards other wolverines are called to a halt during mating season. The male is still aggressive, sometimes dragging the female by the neck during courtship. The female will produce two or three young, called kittens. She feeds them in the den, eating food that she has stored.

To catch its prey the wolverine hides in trees or behind rocks, waiting to pounce. Being short-legged, slow, and lumbering this animal has adapted to this style of hunting.

The wolverine rules in the winter due to their widespread toes, which are perfect for galloping around on top of the snow. It is also capable of hunting reindeer. This usually occurs when the ground is snow covered. The wolverine has been known to jump on the reindeer's back, gripping it with is powerful claws, until it is forced to the ground. Then it will use its long, sharp teeth to tear the animal apart.

Sometimes a bear or other animal will make the kill for the wolverine, not wittingly of course. The wolverine waits for the kill, then with hackles raised, teeth barred, and growling fiercely, approaches the other predator. Sometimes the other predator will depart, and the wolverine has a free meal. Whatever this ferocious mammal cannot eat, it will bury.

The wolverine can grow as large as 3 1/2 feet in length including its tail. Its tail is bushy and it has large paws, with heavy claws. Sometimes people think that the wolverine resembles a bear cub. It has also been called a 'skunk-bear' because of the musk stink it places on leftover food. Its long dark fur is banded on the flank with chestnut or yellowish white. Its fur does not hold moisture and for this reason is prized by humans, in the Arctic regions for the fur parka trim which resists the frost.

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