Newby and Wright indicate wolverines were nearly extinct in Montana from 1920 to 1940: "Even as late as 1927, the wolverine population of Yellowstone Park was estimated at six or eight by Skinner (1927)*, but from information available from trappers and fur buyers it seems likely that in most areas of Montana the wolverine was near exinction before that time." (248)
Yet, the authors note a rebounding from a historical low in the early 1900's: "In recent years, however, wolverines have been seen and shot or trapped with increasing frequency in the northwestern portion of the state." (248)
"Wolverines were trapped from the [Glacier] Park area before establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910, but in 1918 Bailey** quoted a local resident as believing them to be completely absent from the Park. Examination of National Park Service records indicated that tracks were first seen again in 1933. Since then tracks and observations have been reported from the Park almost every year." (252)

"Although the 21 capture records date back to 1932, 18 were taken since 1939. Eleven have been shot or trapped since 1950. To our knowledge, recent sight records of wolverines began only in 1944 and since then at least twenty observations have been made." (248) A map and three tables further describe the records.

The authors describe recent sightings in the Bitterroot Range, Cabinet Range, and even the Bear Paw Mountains south of Havre and the Sweetgrass Hills, 100-150 miles east of Glacier National Park.

"Although scattered individuals may have survived the intensive trapping of early days, the distribution and chronology of the recent records do not indicate a regrowth of population due to local reproduction. It appears instead that dispersal from Canada, and later, Glacier National Park may bave been responsible." (252)

Conclusion
"It seems reasonable to conclude from the data presented that the wolverine is not at present threatened with extinction but instead may be increasing its range and repopulating its range in Montana. However, extensive logging operations have made rapid inroads into many areas of excellent wolverine habitat... If this situation continues our protected wilderness areas and National Parks will be the only areas remaining with suitable habitat for animals such as the wolverine, Canada lynx, marten, and grizzly bear." (253).

* Skinner, M.P. 1927. The predatory and fur-bearing animals on the Yellowstone National Park. Roosevelt Wildlife Bulletin, 4(2):194-195.

** Bailey, V. and Florence M. Bailey. 1918. Wild animals of Glacier National Park. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.:90-91.

---

| Home | Join Us | Clearinghouse Main Menu |

| Wolverine Clearinghouse | Wolverine Information |

Copyright © 2000 Predator Conservation Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

---

P.O Box 6733
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone: (406) 587-3389 | Fax (406) 587-3170 | Email