Always been enamored by them and trying to learn more. From what little has been shown on Animal Planet or Discovery, they are supposed to be very rare. They are supposed to need many miles of territory and roam non-stop.
I know there are a handful in the lower 48. Having just pulled into WA for my 2nd stop, I recall a lynx trap being filled by a wolverine in NC Washington a few years back. Also was reading in NatGeo at the Dr.s office of a collared wolverine in Glacier NP that did about 30 miles by 12 noon. Showed him going from the river bottom, up and along the ridge of a very tall mtn.
But I can't help but think that there are just 100 or so in the lower 48??
Wondering why they are not given more attention if they are such a barometer on habitat or ecology?
Conversly, I just searched them on eBay. There are 6 hides there right now. All command a premium price at $400-600. And I would guess rightfully so.
But if they are that rare, do they need to be continually hunted or trapped?
Rare in Texas, not so rare in Alaska......
Wolverines are not a "keystone species", so are not necessarily a barometer of ecosystem health. But,....as a large mammal they are of significance in any ecosystem they naturally occur.
It's important to note that some critters were always rare for a given region/ecosystem, so "rare" may be a natural event. Hence, wolverines are naturally rare in Texas, common in Alaska........
Casey
