A lucky group of backcountry skiers encountered a wolverine high in the Wind River Mountains last month, experiencing what could be a once in a lifetime sighting given the incredibly low odds of seeing a wild wolverine. Referencing NRCC’s wolverine tracking Identification card, the skiers were able to ID the animal and collect vital information. The sighting was then verified using photographs of the wolverine and several tracks it left in the snow.

Wyoming is the southern-most extent of the wolverine’s known range in North America. Current habitat models show the Wind River Range as having good wolverine habitat, however, it is unknown whether wolverines actually reside there. Known wolverine distribution in Wyoming is limited to the Teton Range and selected areas adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. This sighting has been shared with state and federal agencies which have an interest in documenting wolverine presence in areas of unknown distribution.

Thanks to Brigid Mander and Simon Peterson for documenting and sharing their sighting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you or someone you know has seen a wolverine, please report it here.
To learn more about wolverines, check out our wolverine fact sheet.
To learn more about NRCC’s wolverine work, please visit our wolverine ecology page.
Also check out the Wolverine Foundation site: www.wolverinefoundation.org.