
Photo: Zefram · CC BY 2.5
Gulo gulo
Diet
Carrion, ungulates, small mammals, birds, and eggs
Habitat
Tundra, taiga, alpine forest, open grassland, and boreal shrub zones
Range
Northern Eurasia and North America
Size
Body length 65–105 cm; tail length 13–26 cm
Weight
9–30 kg
The wolverine is one of the largest mustelids, with a stocky body, broad head, small rounded ears, short powerful limbs, and a bushy tail. Its brown to brownish-black coat bears a yellow or golden stripe that passes from the head across each shoulder and joins near the rump. Five-toed feet and a semi-plantigrade stance distribute its weight over snow, while semi-retractable claws and powerful jaws assist climbing, hunting, and breaking bones. Males are substantially heavier than females. (Animal Diversity Web)
Wolverines occupy cold boreal and alpine regions of northern Eurasia and North America, including tundra, taiga, alpine forest, grassland, and shrub zones near or above the timberline. They are solitary, territorial, active throughout the year, and capable of traveling long distances across deep snow. Their opportunistic diet ranges from eggs and small mammals to large ungulates, but scavenged carcasses are especially important. Food is cached for later use and marked with scent, with cold conditions helping preserve stored meat. (Animal Diversity Web)