A wolverine from the winter recreation study project

In the high and remote world of the wolverine, winter is long and cold with an abundance of light, fluffy snow. Well-adapted for these harsh environments, with its large ‘snowshoe’ feet, thick fur, and endless endurance, this winter mountaineer is constantly moving, searching for food and patrolling its enormous home range. Historically, the wolverine was left to itself to winter in these extreme mountain habitats as most species moved to lower elevations to escape the severe season. This has changed, however, as the popularity of backcountry winter recreation has exploded, with both snowmobilers and skiers seeking remote, pristine slopes with powder snow. The previously quiet landscapes that wolverines prefer are now the play areas for many backcountry recreationists.

This winter the Wolverine-Winter Recreation Project completed 6 intensive years tracking wolverines and winter recreationists to understand how wolverines are responding to this relatively novel intrusion into their lonely regions. The research team has successfully collected impressive amounts of fine-scale movement and habitat use data on both wolverines and winter recreationists – simultaneously as both use such areas. With the field collections now complete, the team must turn its attention to the more arduous phase of data analyses to determine subtle but important responses of wolverines to the possible disturbances created by recreationists. The team now also faces another significant challenge: with the adventurous field work completed, the availability of funds needed to finish this very important work has largely dried up. This is a common dilemma faced by wildlife researchers: funding is available to collect data but not to do the critical analyses that actually transform field collected data sets into robust results to truly advance our understanding of the issues.

Please consider supporting the Wolverine-Winter Recreation Project with a donation to The Wolverine Foundation. All dollars received will go directly to supporting the necessary analyses and outreach required to ensure the results of this study are incorporated into decision-making affecting wolverines and wolverine habitats.

Use a credit or debit card now through the secure link below (no PayPal account required):

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If you prefer, please mail your contribution to:
The Wolverine Foundation, Inc.
4444 Packsaddle Road
Tetonia, Idaho, USA 83452

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