For the first time in over a century, wolverines have returned to Mount Rainier National Park. Scientists from the conservation group Cascades Carnivore Project, together with the National Park Service, spotted a reproducing female, named Joni, and her two offspring also called kits.
Resembling a small bear with a bushy tail, the wolverine is the largest land-dweller of the weasel family, and their sightings are extremely rare in the US. It is estimated that only 300-1000 wolverines inhabit the lower 48 US states.
To make the rare and historic discovery last week, scientists used camera stations designed to photograph the animals and identify them using their uniquely patterned chest markings.
“It’s really, really exciting,” said Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “It tells us something about the condition of the park — that when we have such large-ranging carnivores present on the landscape that we’re doing a good job of managing our wilderness.”
Despite their hostile reputation, wolverines pose no risk to humans lucky enough to spot one in the wild. “If you are lucky enough to see one in the wild, it will likely flee as soon as it notices you,” said officials.
To learn more about wolverines and community-based science efforts to protect these animals, visit Cascades Carnivore Project and their partners at Cascades Wolverine Project.
