Wolverine makes quick exit after rare sighting in Utah; video
Wolverines are nocturnal and elusive, and rare in Utah, which is why state wildlife officials were excited to see video footage of the (...)
Wolverines are nocturnal and elusive, live in cold northern latitudes, especially timbered areas, and are rare in Utah. So it was little wonder why state wildlife officials were excited to see video footage of the muscular carnivore running out in the open at Antelope Island State Park.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists learned Tuesday night that a wolverine had been spotted earlier in the day on the northwest end of Antelope Island near the Bridger Bay Campground, according to a DWR news release.
Biologists confirmed that photos and video posted on Facebook looked like a wolverine, and they set out Wednesday morning to locate the animal or find its tracks. But they found nothing, as the ground in the area is very hard.
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“Wolverines are very rare to see because they are largely nocturnal, and they travel quickly, typically not staying in one area long enough to be found or seen,” DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Adam Brewerton said.
“We believe this wolverine sighted on Antelope Island is just passing through since Antelope Island does not have suitable habitat. It is always exciting to hear of wolverine sightings in the state and especially when we have video evidence.”
Wolverines—typically found in high mountain areas—are rare in Utah. Because they are so elusive, it is unclear exactly how many are currently in Utah and whether there is an established population here. A single wolverine can have a home range as large as 350 square miles, and they can travel long distances…
Each year, the DWR receives several reported sightings of wolverines, most commonly from the High Uintas. Because of their elusive nature, biologists are unable to confirm most of these reports. The DWR also places remote cameras in potential habitat areas to try to monitor wolverines in the state.
Wolverines typically scavenge carcasses and are known to hunt many different kinds of animals, ranging from squirrels to birds to larger animals in deep snow. They also eat insects as well as plants like roots and fruit. Typically, the main food source for wolverines in the summer is ground squirrels, and in winter, they primarily feed on the carcasses of deer and elk.
There have been at least four previously confirmed wolverine sightings or evidence of the animal in Utah.
On June 29, 2016, a female wolverine was struck and killed by a vehicle one mile west of Laketown, near Bear Lake in Rich County.
In December 2014, wolverine tracks were discovered near Dutch John.
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In February 2014, a wolverine was captured in a photo at a camera bait station in the Uinta Mountains.
And in 1979, a wolverine was found dead near Vernal.
Photo courtesy of James Shook and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.