Wolverine
Gulo gulo gulo
Contrary to popular belief, wolverines are not related to wolves; they are a part of the Mustelid family which also includes otters, badgers, ferrets, minks, (which we also have at the zoo), and weasels. Mustelids are known for being a diverse group of carnivore mammals and can be very intense for their size. Wolverines historically ranged from Alaska to New Mexico, but currently are found in Canada, Alaska, and regions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Compared to other members of the Mustelid family, their body shapes are very similar with large paws (to help walk on snow) and claws (just like the character, except the animals use them to climb and not fight), long tails, thick coats of fur (most often brown but colors can vary), and strong jaws capable of breaking through bones.
Click HERE for a Wolverine Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
The Wolverines are almost always visible and may either be sleeping in different spots around their habitat or maybe running around and playing with each other. Wolverines rely on the snow for important parts of their survival so coming to the Zoo when there is snow may be one of the best times to see the wolverines in their natural element.
Ahmari, Female- Born on February 13, 2016
Ahmari came to the Zoo in 2017 from Finland. She is a part of the SSP or Species Survival Plan, a program supported by AZA (Association of Zoo and Aquariums), which is a plan to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of species that may need help. Since arriving at ZooMontana, Ahmari has raised three different individuals, two male kits in 2023 Kovaa (who is now at Minnesota Zoo) and Villi (who is now at the San Francisco Zoo), and more recently a female kit named Enda who was born in 2024.
Sid, Male – Born on February 21, 2016
Sid came to the Zoo in 2017 from Sweden. Sid is a part of the SSP or Species Survival Plan, a program supported by AZA (Association of Zoo and Aquariums), which is a plan to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of species that may need help. At ZooMontana, Sid has fathered three different individuals, two male kits in 2023 Kovaa (who is now at Minnesota Zoo) and Villi (who is now at the San Francisco Zoo), and more recently a female kit named Enda who was born in 2024.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mustelidae
- Genus: Gulo
- Species: Gulo gulo gulo
Animal Facts
Carnivore: mainly eat anything from berries to carrion (have been known to take down moose)
Population Status (according to IUCN): currently listed as Least Concern
Montana Population Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Species of Concern
Habitat: boreal forest, arctic, and alpine environments
Activity: diurnal (nocturnal)- mostly active during the day (or at night)
