Have you been thinking about the fierce one? Did the Polar bear come to mind? Maybe you had thoughts of other species that aren’t so obvious. A Canada goose with goslings can be extremely vicious when it comes to protecting her nest. A wolf can be ferocious but this is still not the one that ranks at the top of the list. The name of the species that brings terror and shows no fear goes by the name Gulo gulo. Coming from the Latin word meaning “glutton”, this animal is aptly named. As well as having a ferocious temper, it also has a ferocious appetite. It eats as it has had nothing in days nor will it ever eat again. In fact, it has a special molar that allows it to tear frozen meat from the bone and to crush, swallow and digest the bone itself. Living in the frigid areas of the Northwest and the arctic, the mammal I have been referring to is known as the wolverine.
Belonging to the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, badgers, ferrets, and otters, this stocky mammal has razor-sharp, retractable claws and keen senses. Weighing from 35 to 45 pounds, this relatively small animal more than makes up for its size with courage and tenacity. Their diet consists of a wide array of foods. They primarily feed upon the snowshoe hare, marmots, and ground squirrels but have been known to take down caribou and moose as well. At times the Grizzly will attempt to overtake the wolverine’s food source. The wolverine has no problem with attacking and deterring this large carnivore from this intent. In addition to being an efficient predator, they will also scavenge during the harsh winter months for mammals that have succumbed to frigid temperatures and deep snow. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect a food source buried in the snow up to 20 feet deep.
In the lower 48, wolverines live in the rugged high country primarily above timberline. Further north in Canada and Alaska, they are found in the boreal forests and the mountains and upon the tundra. The key is the snow. Wolverines don’t hibernate, yet they are well-adapted to withstand frigid temperatures for lengthy periods of time, as evidenced by their stocky build and thick fur..
Numbering only around 300 animals in the lower 48, they are more numerous in the North Country where populations are estimated to be as high as 20,000 to 30,000. Territories are vast for this animal. Males are very territorial and may have a home range spanning more than 250 square miles. They have been known to travel as far as 60 miles per day over rough terrain. The jagged peaks of the Rockies are no more than stepping stones to this mobile creature.
The people of North America had several names for the wolverine.. The Mi’Kmaq people called the animal, ki’kwaju and the Innu, kuekuatsheu. The Innu tell the story that many years ago kuekuatsheu built a boat for all animal species and then there was a long rain and a great flood. You know the rest of the story. Other stories include the wolverine being displayed as a jokester and a trickster and entertainer. In some tribes of Northern California, wolverines are seen as lucky animals and seeing one is a sign of good fortune to come. As much luck as I need on my hunting treks out west, I’m not sure if I want to be in the vicinity of a wolverine. Maybe if it was on the other side of a deep canyon, luck would still come and danger would still be far enough away. Other names for the wolverine include nasty cat, quickhatch, and devil bear. The people of the Blackfeet Tribe called it the “skunk bear.” The reason for this is wolverines can secrete a yellow liquid from their anal scent gland that has an extremely foul odor, at least to us. There are several purposes for this scent which include territory marking by males, a signal to males that a female is receptive for mating, and a defense mechanism the same way a skunk protects itself from danger.
I left Polebridge understanding a little more about the high country and its inhabitants. The ranger impressed upon me that not only do these mountains hold a beauty beyond comprehension but that this is still a wild country with a dangerous side. I stroll calmly through our swamps here with hardly a thought about being attacked and devoured by something greater in size and strength. Oh sure, we have the howl of the coyote and the surprise from a coiled cottonmouth, but other than that and the risk from a mosquito or tick bite, what do we really have to fear? I have a greater appreciation for what lurks in the heart of the Rocky Mountains but deterred from going back, I am not. I may make a little more noise the next time I wade the Flathead but I can’t wait to go back to that country. I bet there is still a little time before the wrath of winter locks that land up so I may just make another run up there before we get serious about sitting in a tree here for the winter. Anyone else interested in going? Delta’s ready when you are.
Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
