Wolverines are among the least understood large carnivores in North America and the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family. Most wolverines weigh 15 to 45 pounds and stand 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Females are smaller than males. Their coats are glossy dark brown with two pale lateral stripes converging at the base of the tail. Wolverine heads are gray with black muzzles, short ears, and dark eyes. They are described as having a low-slung body with powerful legs and large, curved claws.
Wolverines are omnivorous (eat both meat and plants) and will eat anything from berries to moose. They also feed on small mammals such as voles, squirrels, and hares. Although they are very strong for their size, their reputation for ferocious attacks on large carnivores has been exaggerated. They will vigorously defend their food, but do tend to avoid bears, wolves, and other large predators. Wolverines are solitary hunters and roam large areas in search of food.
Breeding occurs May through July and the kits are born in January through April. Kits emerge from their dens, usually in snow caves, hollow stumps, or under rock piles, in early summer and remain with their mother until fall.
Wolverines appear to occur at low density levels in the Upper Tanana Valley. They are primarily found in the foothills and mountainous areas where access is limited.
