The wolverine (Gulo gulo), largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, is perhaps one of the rarest and least-studied carnivores in North America. Resembling a short, stocky bear, this animal sports a distinctive bushy tail, small ears and eyes, and semi-retractable claws for climbing and digging. Adult females weigh in the range of 8-12 kg, and males weigh some 50% more. Although they are active during the day, wolverines are primarily nocturnal. Their average lifespan is ten years and they have been known to live as long as 18.
Summary
The wolverine (Gulo gulo), largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, is perhaps one of the rarest and least-studied carnivores in North America. Resembling a short, stocky bear, this animal sports a distinctive bushy tail, small ears and eyes, and semi-retractable claws for climbing and digging. Adult females weigh in the range of 8-12 kg, and males weigh some 50% more. Although they are active during the day, wolverines are primarily nocturnal. Their average lifespan is ten years and they have been known to live as long as 18.
