# Wolverine (*Gulo gulo*)

> Wolverines are stocky, powerful mustelids of boreal forests and Arctic tundra. Despite weighing only 9–25 kg (20–55 lb), they can drive wolves and bears off kills and travel enormous daily distances. They are listed Least Concern globally but are rare and declining in southern parts of their range.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Boreal forests and tundra of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Russia, and the Rocky Mountains.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/wolverine/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Mustelidae
- **Genus:** Gulo

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Gulo gulo |
| Diet | Carrion, small and medium mammals, birds, berries |
| Habitat | Boreal forests, tundra, and alpine regions of northern North America, Europe, and Asia |
| Lifespan | 7–12 years in the wild (up to 17 in captivity) |
| Weight | 9–25 kg (20–55 lb); males larger |
| Top speed | Up to 40 km/h (25 mph); endurance traveller |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Strength far beyond size

Wolverines have been filmed dragging carcasses many times their weight and breaking frozen bones to reach marrow. Broad paws act like snowshoes; keen smell detects carrion buried under metres of snow.

## Huge territories

A single wolverine may patrol hundreds of square kilometres, especially males. Low population density makes them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from logging, roads, and climate-driven snowpack changes.

## Reproduction and kits

Females dig snow dens for delayed implantation — embryos develop after winter conditions improve. Kits stay with the mother through their first summer, learning to scavenge and hunt.

## Southern range declines

While globally Least Concern, wolverines are extirpated or rare across much of the lower 48 United States and southern Scandinavia. Protected areas and connectivity corridors are key to persistence south of the Arctic.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are wolverines related to wolves?

No — wolverines belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), not the dog family. The name reflects their reputation, not taxonomy.

### Are wolverines dangerous to humans?

They avoid people; attacks are exceptionally rare. They will defend food or kits if cornered.

### Where do wolverines live?

Boreal forests and tundra of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia, with small populations in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada.

### How big is a wolverine?

Roughly the size of a medium dog — 9–25 kg — but far more powerful for their weight.

### What do wolverines eat?

Mostly carrion and small mammals, plus birds, eggs, and berries. They often follow wolves to scavenge leftovers.

## Sources

- Copeland, J. et al. (2017). Gulo gulo. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- [Animal Diversity Web — Gulo gulo. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gulo_gulo/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/wolverine/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.