What Do Wolverines Eat?

The name wolverine means “glutton.” They are not really gluttons, but small, carnivorous mammals of the weasel family. Wolverines could be described as having the face and body characteristics of a grizzly, the fur of a seal, the tail of a skunk, the claws of a wildcat, the jaws of a crocodile, and the teeth of piranhas. They are restless, mobile mammals that are known to travel and migrate great distances in search of food and during the breeding season. They are highly territorial and are much stronger than they appear. Because of their elusiveness, their ongoing mobility creates a challenge for researchers who study this class of weasel.

What Wolverines Eat

The wolverine is familiar to scavenging habits and will boldly feast on the carrion (rotting leftovers) of neighbors which may include dall sheep, moose, antelope, and caribou of the arctic.

Oblivious to the devious ambush plans of the wolverine, the muskox, deer, arctic hares, arctic fox, and polar bear are also included as dinner prey for this indiscriminate hunter. Whether fresh, frozen, robbed or stolen, once food is found, the wolverine will indulge in a satisfying meal, then will spray it with their scent and bury it for themselves for later.

Gulo Gulo Glutton

Wolverines are commonly called "gulo gulo.” Other clever names that are appropriate for the wolverine have been passed down over the centuries. Wolverines are also called the devil bear, devil beast, skunk bear, and the American glutton; names that are symbolic of their ferociousness and that speak volumes about their behavior, appearance, and territorial habits.

Gulo gulo is a weasel species derived from the subfamily of Mustelinae carnivores. As fierce animals with great speed, powerful jaws, razor sharp teeth and claws, gulo gulo’s are capable of bringing down animals multiplies of their own size. They can gnaw through bones and frozen prey as if it they were simply fruit from a tree.

Ice Habitats

Along the low elevation of forests and frigid subsoil of the alpines, subalpine, arctic and subarctic of northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, Asia, and Greenland, you will find the wolverines thriving among a population of other animals that dwell among the ice.

Their water-resistant fur which protects them from frost and moisture is a great advantage in the sub-zero temperatures where they have easily adapted. It is also a benefit for the wolverine who has acquired a taste for sea food. They are outstanding swimmers, but their vision is quite poor. Since fishing usually requires a keen sense of sight, they would not likely include this form of hunting on their agenda unless food is truly scarce. 

Wolverines and Territory

As highly territorial creatures, a wolverine can claim an area as big as 200 square miles of territory. One would wonder why so much territory is required. Perhaps mealtime is one of the main reasons for their strong territorial instincts.

Generally, wolverines are loners that dwell under snowy boulders and rock crevices where they can hide from severely harsh weather and potential predators (yes, they too are vulnerable creatures!). When a wolverine has laid claim to their territory, other wolverines are warned to stay away by the strong scent that is marked on the rocks and trees in their area.

With padded feet that assist in a hunting pursuit, the wolverine has the advantage over almost every other animal in the region during the hibernation season of winter. They have the uncanny ability to dash through the snow like pebbles shaving across the ocean. When hunger beckons, their tenacious nature will cause to feast on anything from tree roots to busy rodents and large mammals resting on the base of a rock.