About Us

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) earned its place in folklore long before north-country trappers and a few over-zealous naturalists began to spin tales of a beast of great ferocity, cunning, and extraordinary strength. Indian mythology describes the wolverine as a trickster-hero, and a link to the spirit world. Still, even today the wolverine remains largely a mystery.

The Wolverine Foundation, Inc. (TWF) is a non-profit organization comprised of wildlife scientists with a common interest in the wolverine.

TWF is operated by a small administrative staff, and managed under the guidance of a world-wide directorship comprised of wildlife scientists. We operate solely on the voluntary efforts of our directors and staff, and with the help of private and public donations.

Through this effort we hope to offer a reservoir of information to the interested public as well as the science professional. On this website you will find the most up-to-date bibliography available on wolverine literature; a comprehensive summary of wolverine life history; reviews of wolverine research provided by our world-wide research associates; and management updates outlining current issues. We have added a wolverine life history account written with the youngster in mind on our Kid’s Page and a Gift Shop for the many folks that have emailed and phoned requesting wolverine related products.

Why We Are Here

Wildlife management and research are often driven by economics. Species receive attention when populations are reduced near the point of extinction, or if their numbers are adequate for exploitation. While wolverine populations appear able to support limited harvest, the status of the wolverine throughout its range is largely unknown. It is trapped and hunted for sport, and for its fur, throughout western Canada, in the U.S. states of Alaska and Montana, and is controlled as a predator of domestic livestock in Scandinavia. The level of human exploitation and habitat encroachment is not consistent with our limited understanding of wolverine population status, distribution, and life history requirements.

We hope to accomplish several things…

For the interested public we wish to introduce the wolverine in a science-based context. Our image of the wolverine has for too long been based on sensationalism and misinformation. For the interested science professional we hope to offer a reservoir of information and a source of research funding. Most importantly, our objective is to promote awareness and direct our resources for the benefit of this fascinating and mysterious creature.