10 States That Wolverines Still Roam
Have you considered which parts of the wild wolverines continue to call their home today? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service observes that wolverines used to be distributed throughout much of the northern United States until habitat loss and climate change drastically diminished their population.
Current wildlife estimates within the contiguous United States suggest that the wolverine population has shrunk to less than 300 individuals. After investigating wolverine habitats, it becomes apparent that they exist in particular wild locations.
Wolverines inhabit mountainous landscapes that are difficult to spot yet maintain healthy populations throughout multiple states. This analysis will highlight the 10 states that serve as current habitats for these tough survivors.
Montana
Montana features some of the nation’s most brutal wilderness landscapes, which provide perfect wolverine habitats. Wolverines consistently appear at elevated numbers within Montana’s Glacier National Park region.
These animals move through alpine meadows and thick woodlands, which they select mainly when located beside permanent snowpack areas. Recent research completed by the Wildlife Conservation Society shows Montana maintains one of the most significant wolverine populations area-wide among the lower 48 states.
If you’re looking to spot one, your best bet is to hike through the park at dawn or dusk. Patience is key—they’re masters at staying hidden!
Idaho
Wolverines find excellent habitat in Idaho’s broad-scale wilderness areas. They also find a crucial supportive environment in Salmon-Challis National Forest, which offers their critical isolation needs and food resources required to thrive.
Wolverine presence in the Sawtooth Range was confirmed by a research survey from 2022, strengthening Idaho’s reputation as a crucial sanctuary for these animals. Regional conservation initiatives commit substantial efforts to protect animal habitats so that people from future generations can enjoy them.
Wyoming
Wolverines benefit from Wyoming’s mountainous landscape, especially Yellowstone National Park and across the Wind River Range. The sky outlines of these zones offer the vast, snowy spaces that wolverines seek for hunting and establishing dens.
Park biologists documented recent animal appearances, specifically in Yellowstone’s northeastern section. While exploring Yellowstone’s mountainous regions, anyone hiking should keep an eye out because wolverines frequently travel across such landscapes.
Washington
The North Cascades in Washington serve as a critical habitat for wolverines. High-altitude forests and deep snow form the ideal natural conditions for supporting their foraging and reproductive activities.
Current research from the Cascade Carnivore Project confirms that wolverine populations remain stable across this region because of intensive conservation work. Scientists from the local area now deploy GPS equipment on wolverines to study their behavior by tracking their motions in the wild.
Oregon
Wolverines in Oregon stay hidden, but scientists discovered them in the northeastern Wallowa Mountains. Trail camera evidence collected until 2023 reveals that wolverines continue to pass through this distant wilderness area.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife in Oregon has initiated monitoring missions to understand how the wolverine species in the state distribute themselves. When exploring these rugged mountain areas, exercise careful movement because you may encounter one of these rare creatures.
Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park and adjoining mountainous areas throughout Colorado offer habitable conditions for wolverines but maintain only limited numbers. Wolverines disappeared from state wildlife records over 100 years ago but are now making a noticeable comeback.
Monitoring tracks through Colorado’s backcountry across 2022 revealed M56, whose presence excited Wolverine watchers statewide. State wildlife conservation organizations are assessing ways to bring wolverines back into their previous geographic territories.
Alaska
Even though it stands outside the contiguous United States, Alaska should be recognized for its wolverine population. Wolverines inhabit every part of the state, from the tundra regions to the thick boreal forests.
Wolverines used to survive in Alaska during multiple ecosystems preserve vital ecological functionalities while holding significant cultural value. The considerable size of wolverine habitats complicates their observation throughout Alaska. Wildlife enthusiasts participating in Denali National Park guided tours regularly obtain wolverine sightings reports.
California
Despite expectations to the contrary, California supports wolverine populations, which appear in small numbers throughout the Sierra Nevada. A trail camera recording from 2023 that captured a wolverine created new excitement about their possible return to this scenic region.
The discovered wolverine sightings provide the necessary evidence that the legitimacy of these creatures returning to their ancestral territories stands plausible. Conservation professionals in California evaluate facilities across biologically important areas to support these delicate wildlife groups.
Utah
The steep terrain of Utah’s Wasatch and Uinta Mountains makes Wolverine habitats entirely suitable. Wolverine populations have been reported during annual surveys, even though they remain limited.
Because wolverines travel over expansive territories, they frequently journey between Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Utah’s wildlife department is now actively monitoring wolverine movement alongside other states. Campers in the area must bring their cameras when hiking because they might spot rare wildlife.
Michigan
Scientists documented wolverines in the isolated forest areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but such sightings were unusual. Michigan recognizes wolverines as its state mascot, yet these mammals remain seldom encountered in the wild.
The Thumb area of Michigan recorded a famous wolverine sighting in 2021 after it had not seen a confirmed wolverine presence for decades. Wildlife enthusiasts have faith that Michigan will be able to become once more a reliable home for these tough animals.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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