From wolves to wolverines, Colorado may soon welcome back wolverines, an animal with a reputation for its ferocity and strength nearly wiped out by trapping, poisoning and habitat loss in the early 20th century.
Last week, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 24-171, which if passed would kick start the process of reintroducing the carnivore as soon as 2026. Michael Saul with Defenders of Wildlife says wolverines are native to Colorado, but just 300 or so remain in the entire lower 48. He says the Rocky Mountains may offer the best chance for their long-term survival. "Because of the height and climate of the high Colorado mountains, Colorado is one of the best places for holding onto deep snow through the 21st century."
Wolverines rely on hard-packed snow at high elevations throughout the winter to store food and dig dens to raise their young, and Saul notes that stress from shrinking snowfall has led to a decline in mating numbers. Not to be confused with the similarly named wolves, wolverines are a member of the weasel family and weigh between 18 and 40 pounds