In Search of the Elusive Wolverine
Wolverines have a home range of 500 square miles. That didn't stop us from finding one.
This wolverine recently showed up at one of our stations in the Selkirk Mountains.
This winter, I have had the privilege to work on a unique project for the Idaho Conservation League. We are partnering with the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to see if we can learn more about wolverines and other rare carnivores in North Idaho. Our partnership embarked on this effort because we know very little about the wolverine populations of the Selkirk and West Cabinet Mountains.
More than 80 volunteers are helping us set up bait stations throughout the mountain ranges to see if we can lure wolverines and other rare carnivores. When one of these subjects arrives, we capture them on film with infrared cameras. I'm happy to report that during our very first week, this wolverine showed up at one of our stations in the Selkirks.
The project has also provided the opportunity to educate everyday people about wolverine ecology and biology. For example, I had a great opportunity to join Phil Hough and Kelsey Brassuer of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness on a local radio show, North Idaho Fun & Adventure. Here's a fun excerpt from the interview.
Hats off to Zoo Boise, whose generous grant for this study is enabling us to engage everyday people in citizen's science!
