Wolverine
Gallery Location
Not on View
Geography: Place Collected
Unknown
Object number
ROMM9102010008
Taxonomy
- Kingdom Animalia
- Phylum Chordata
- Class Mammalia
- Order Carnivora
- Family Mustelidae
- Genus Gulo
- SpecificEpithet gulo
Department
Natural History: Mammals
Description
The wolverine is a large member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). It is related to skunks, weasels, otters, martens, fishers, and badgers. Like other mustelids, the wolverine possesses glands with heavy-scented fluid used for marking and defense. The wolverine is strong and ferocious; it will defend its food against a wolf or even a grizzly bear. The wolverine tracks its prey by its well developed sense of smell. Primarily a scavenger, the wolverine is an omnivore consuming a wide range of plants and animals. The wolverine's skeleton is one of a heavy-set carnivore. Characteristics such as the type and number of teeth and the shape of the skull separate mustelids easily from other carnivore families.
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