Wolverines in the Rockies

Wolverines roam the Rocky Mountains of the United States–but how many are there? It seems impossible to have anything but a chance encounter with one, and information on populations and home ranges is limited at best.

Camera traps may help researchers–and may show wolverines in new areas. This month, a camera trap photographed a wolverine in the Boise National Forest, north of Boise, Idaho. This one left some hairs at a “hair snare” set for fishers. Hopefully biologists will use such photos and hair samples to get a better handle on wolverine populations. Click here for the wolverine photo and more info. –Matt Miller