Meet Valentine: Our Resident Wolverine
Wolverines are naturally elusive creatures, meaning she is often hard to spot. Many people think that wolverines are part of the wolf family (thanks to the superhero movie!) but actually, they are members of the weasel family and are more closely related to otters.
The wolverine population is known to be decreasing due to their resistance to adapt to new environments. Extensive logging and other environmental disturbances have forced wolverine populations to be restricted mostly to eastern Canada. Estimates say that there are less than 300 wolverines in the US total.
Wolverines are known for eating carrion - but may also hunt small prey like rodents and rabbits.
Wolverines have very large feet that act like snowshoes. Adaptations like this help to ensure that hibernation isn't necessary.
Because of urbanization, loggers, and human access to wolverine habitats, their populations have shifted to regions that are deeply forested.