This article describes recent surveys conducted by independent researchers Betsy Robinson and Steve Gehman indicate that wolverine presence in the northern extremity of the Shoshone National Forest just outside the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and additional wolverine sign along the Wyoming/Montana border near the northern entrance of Yellowstone Park.

"Montana and Alaska are the only states that still allow wolverines to be legally trapped. Currently, an average of eight wolverines are trapped in Montana each year." (2)

Methodology
"We have employed three methods in searching for our target species: hair-snares, remote camera stations, and snow-track transects." (4)
"We used two types of transects to collect carnivore track data. Detection or reconnaissance surveys were conducted primarily to cover as much distance as possible in areas of suspected high-quality habitat. Enumeration surveys were conducted to document all carnivore tracks observed while following predetermined transect routes, so that track densities could be compared among habitat categories and among years." (4)

Results
"Wolverines or their tracks were detected 19 times during the first five winters of YES survey efforts... During 2,600 total nights of camera operation, wolverines made two visits and were photographed eight times. Most of our wolverine data were obtained from track observations. Wolverine tracks were observed five times during 140 snow transects that covered 403 miles (68 km), and an additional 12 times during oter aspects of the project." (4)
"We documented an additional tree wolverine track sets during our efforts this past winter: a second set in Specimen Creek drainage, and two sets in the Gallatin National Forest witin 22 miles (35 km) o fthe northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park." (5)
"Since mid-1995, the park has received 19 reports of 24 wolverine sightings and two additional reports of tracks, bringing the total to 164 observation records - only slightly more than one for each year of the park's history." (5)
"Our goal is to assist in the compliation of such a database [on its abundance and distribution]; we hope to spend the next ten winters helping to survey the wildlands of the Yellowstone ecosystem for wolverines, as well as for fishers and lynx." (5)

Maps describe the study area, remote camera sites, and wolverine observations in Yellowstone Park and vicinity.

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