Part bear? Part wolf? The wolverine is actually a member of the weasel family! We recently learned of a spotting of these magnificent creatures during a study by Wabakimi Provincial Park. Members of the Wabakimi team have been capturing some beautiful images and were kind enough to share a wolverine picture with us!

Shannon Lawr, the superintendent of Wabakimi Provincial Park describes watching a wolverine on his camera device:

More on Wolverines in Ontario:

The Wolverine is a powerful animal and is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). It resembles a small bear with a bushy tail, short legs, and large paws with semi-retractable claws. Wolverines are about the same size as a medium-sized dog when fully grown, ranging from 65 to 87 centimetres in length. It has dark brown fur with pale golden-brown stripes running along the sides of the body. The Wolverine has a large head with a dark brown face, sometimes with a light silvery facial mask, and has ears that are short and rounded. Wolverines also have unique markings on their chest which have been used to identify individuals.

Wolverines mainly scavenge on moose and caribou, which is a favourite winter food. They also eat beavers, snowshoe hares, squirrels, voles, and sometimes berries. The Wolverine has very strong jaws that it uses to crush bones and frozen carcasses.

Where it lives

Wolverines usually live alone and roam across large territories that vary from 500 to 1500 square kilometres or more. Females build dens under snow-covered boulders, fallen logs, and occasionally in snow drifts. Researchers are still learning about the ecology and habitat needs of the Wolverine in Ontario.

Where it’s been found in Ontario

Historically, Wolverines were found throughout most of Ontario. Today, they are primarily found in the northwest boreal forest and coastal tundra; however, recent studies show some re-colonization of their historical northeastern range.

Learn more here!