The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest land member of the weasel family and lives throughout mainland Alaska and some islands of Southeast Alaska. It is a solitary, wide-ranging scavenger and predator of taiga and boreal habitat.[1]
| Scientific name | Gulo gulo |
|---|---|
| Male weight | 24–40 lb |
| Female weight | 13–26 lb |
| Litter | 2–3 kits, born Feb–Apr |
| Male home range | 200–260 sq mi |
| Lifespan | Few beyond 5–7 years |
Description
The wolverine is the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, with long, dense fur that is generally dark brown to black and a cream-to-gold stripe from each shoulder to the base of the tail. It has a thick body, short legs, short ears and a broad, flat head, walks on the soles of its feet and climbs trees readily. Males weigh 24 to 40 pounds, 30 to 40 percent more than females, which weigh 13 to 26 pounds.[1]
Range and habitat
Wolverines live throughout mainland Alaska and on some Southeast Alaska islands in taiga and boreal habitat, and they need large wilderness areas. They occur at low densities and avoid heavily developed areas. A Southcentral Alaska study found a preference for higher elevations in summer and lower elevations in winter.[1]
Diet
The wolverine is an opportunistic feeder. Its winter diet relies mainly on carrion such as moose and caribou remains, and year-round prey includes voles, squirrels, snowshoe hares and birds. Killing a moose or caribou is rare.[1]
Reproduction and behaviour
Mating occurs from May to August, and delayed implantation means the embryo implants in late fall or early winter. Kits are born from February to April, averaging two or three, are born blind, weigh under a pound and are weaned at 9 to 10 weeks. Fewer than 10 percent of two-year-old females produce litters, and few wolverines live beyond 5 to 7 years in the wild, though some reach 12 or 13. Adults are mostly solitary and can travel up to 40 miles in a day, resident males hold home ranges of 200 to 260 square miles and females up to 115 square miles, and wolves and bears are major causes of natural mortality.[1]
FAQs
How big is a wolverine? Males 24 to 40 pounds, females 13 to 26 pounds.
What do wolverines eat? Mostly carrion in winter, plus voles, squirrels, hares and birds.
Where do they live in Alaska? Throughout the mainland and some Southeast islands.
Sources
Key facts
- Home range 200–260 sq mi
- Kits born Feb–Apr
Quick checkWhat is delayed implantation in wolverines?Show answer
Mating in summer, with embryos implanting in late fall or early winter
Sources
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Wolverine, Wildlife Notebook Series. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue