April 2008. During investigations by an Oregon State University graduate student, the Forest Service, and California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), two additional wolverine photographs have been captured. A variety of hair, track and scat samples were also sent for analysis to determine if these were from a wolverine. After the initial photograph of a wolverine was taken by a remote camera in the Tahoe National Forest, researchers, biologists and volunteers intensified the search.
Dogs trained to identify wolverine scat were used to search the area. A large grid (approximately 150 square miles) with remote cameras and hair snares was established and monitored. Ground searches were made looking for wolverine tracks. Flights were conducted to detect possible radio telemetry signals from wolverines previously fitted with radio transmitters in studies in Montana.
These combined efforts yielded a search of 155 miles. Approximately 50 scat and hair samples were found and sent to the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Genetic Laboratory for analysis. Genetic information from the analysis will determine if the sample was from a wolverine and if positive, possibly the animal’s place of origin as well as its sex.
Dogs trained to identify wolverine scat were used to search the area. A large grid (approximately 150 square miles) with remote cameras and hair snares was established and monitored. Ground searches were made looking for wolverine tracks. Flights were conducted to detect possible radio telemetry signals from wolverines previously fitted with radio transmitters in studies in Montana.
These combined efforts yielded a search of 155 miles. Approximately 50 scat and hair samples were found and sent to the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Genetic Laboratory for analysis. Genetic information from the analysis will determine if the sample was from a wolverine and if positive, possibly the animal’s place of origin as well as its sex.
March 2008. A wolverine that was photographed with a remote-controlled camera in the Tahoe National Forest is the first evidence of wolverines in California for 90 years.
Katie Moriarty, a wildlife biology student, was conducting research on another carnivore, the American marten, when a remote-controlled camera photographed a different animal. Forest Service scientists believe the photographed animal is a wolverine.
Katie Moriarty, a wildlife biology student, was conducting research on another carnivore, the American marten, when a remote-controlled camera photographed a different animal. Forest Service scientists believe the photographed animal is a wolverine.
Largest Member of the Weasel Family
The North American wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. The wolverine resembles a small bear, with a bushy tail and broad head. Adult males weigh 26 to 40 pounds, while females are 17 to 26 pounds. They eat carrion, small animals, birds, insects and berries.
Most U.S. wolverine populations are found in Washington, and the Northern Rockie Mountains in Montana and Idaho. The nearest known resident population to the Tahoe National Forest is about 900 miles to the north in Northern Washington.
Further Research
Scientists will now use remote-controlled cameras and barbed wire snares that snag hair in an attempt to find further proof of the presence of wolverines. They may also use dogs trained to find wolverine scat.
Scientists have found dogs to be three and a half times more successful at detecting rare carnivores than remote-controlled cameras in forested areas like the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The North American wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. The wolverine resembles a small bear, with a bushy tail and broad head. Adult males weigh 26 to 40 pounds, while females are 17 to 26 pounds. They eat carrion, small animals, birds, insects and berries.
Most U.S. wolverine populations are found in Washington, and the Northern Rockie Mountains in Montana and Idaho. The nearest known resident population to the Tahoe National Forest is about 900 miles to the north in Northern Washington.
Further Research
Scientists will now use remote-controlled cameras and barbed wire snares that snag hair in an attempt to find further proof of the presence of wolverines. They may also use dogs trained to find wolverine scat.
Scientists have found dogs to be three and a half times more successful at detecting rare carnivores than remote-controlled cameras in forested areas like the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Authorities Decide Wolverine Not Endangered - For Now
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that protecting the wolverine in the contiguous United States as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (Act) is not warranted. However, the Service will continue to seek new information regarding the status of the wolverine and continue to support cooperative conservation efforts to benefit the species in its native range.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that protecting the wolverine in the contiguous United States as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (Act) is not warranted. However, the Service will continue to seek new information regarding the status of the wolverine and continue to support cooperative conservation efforts to benefit the species in its native range.
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