The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). It has an outsized reputation for strength and ferocity. Until lately it has been missing from much of the southern half of its former range. A state legislator wants to enact a law bringing California wolverines back into the ecological picture.
Wolverines were once common in the Golden State but largely disappeared 100 years ago. According to The Guardian, only two have been spotted in the last century.
The paper said
“Male wolverines walk through huge territories – easily several hundred square kilometers – and this winter’s heavy snowfall in the west may have created “habitat bridges” for the wolverine, Gammons said. The animal could have traveled from the Rocky and Cascade mountain ranges, or from as far away as Canada or Alaska.
Wolverines are members of a diverse group of mammals collectively known as mustelids, which includes weasels, badgers and otters. They are the largest land-based member of the family, famous for their elusive nature, love of snow and ability to punch above their weight. Three feet (1m) long and 15 to 50lb (7 to 18kg), wolverines are compact animals resembling small bears with bushy tails, large skulls and powerful jaws capable of crunching through frozen meat and bone.
These traits, along with their snowshoe-like feet and dense fur, make them highly adapted to snowy arctic and sub-arctic environments. Snow seems to be particularly important to mother wolverines, who consistently choose the deepest snow available to make their dens in snow tunnels or under snow-covered rocks or logs between February and April.”
The paucity of the predator in California may end if a legislator has her way. According to the Los Angeles Times:
“While wolverines are solitary and live at higher elevations, California is part of their natural home territory, and seeing them here shouldn’t be that rare and won’t be in the future if we manage reintroduction carefully,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who introduced the California legislation. (Link in original). She sponsored AB2722, the reintroduction bill. She is also running for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Wolverines have been scarce in the lower 48 states, but recent sightings have occurred. They have been spotted in Yellowstone National Park and collared in Utah. Colorado is in the midst of re-introducing wolves to the state. It has been reported that wolverines may be next on the list of returnees.