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Wolverine

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Wolverine
(Gulo gulo)

Vulnerable Species

Wolverines are a strong and ferocious member of the weasel family. They have powerful jaws and are generally accepted as the strongest mammal for their size, capable of bringing down a deer or moose if they can catch it. Historically found in northern Minnesota, they were trapped to the edge of extinction in the early 1900s for their warm fur. If seen in Minnesota today, they are probably just visiting from Canada.

Description: Body length: 65-87 cm (25-34 in); tail: 17-26 cm (7-10 in); weight: 20-35 kg (44-77 lbs); males generally 10% larger and 30% heavier than females; largest ground dwelling mustelid; compact body with long legs; large feet with webbing between toes; fur is long and thick, grows over soles of feet during the winter; dark brown with broad light brown stripes extending from the shoulder to the rump on each side of body, joining at the base of the tail; pregenital glands, also known as ventrla glands, are used for marking; anal glands can spray foul- smelling liquid.

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