Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Wolverine

Gulo Gulo

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), with a circumpolar range across tundra, taiga, and boreal forest zones of North America and Eurasia. It has a stocky, robust build that can look more “bear-like” than many other mustelids, with strong jaws, claws, and well-developed neck and shoulder muscles (adaptations that help it use frozen carcasses and other tough foods in winter). Wolverines are generally solitary and are best described as opportunistic predators and scavengers. The species has a long-standing reputation for toughness, and can take prey larger than themselves. The genus name Gulo comes from Latin for “glutton,” reflecting the species’ voracious feeding behavior when food is available.

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), with a circumpolar range across tundra, taiga, and boreal forest zones of North America and Eurasia. It has a stocky, robust build that can look more “bear-like” than many other mustelids, with strong jaws, claws, and well-developed neck and shoulder muscles (adaptations that help it use frozen carcasses and other tough foods in winter). Wolverines are generally solitary and are best described as opportunistic predators and scavengers. The species has a long-standing reputation for toughness, and can take prey larger than themselves. The genus name Gulo comes from Latin for “glutton,” reflecting the species’ voracious feeding behavior when food is available.