Wolverine Ecology in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Authors(s): J. Beecham and H. Quigley

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives 1. To document population characteristics of wolverines in the Northern Rocky Mountains; 2. To identify critical wolverine habitat and habitat use patterns; 3. To document the impact of human recreational and other activities on wolverine activity patterns, movements, survival rates, and habitat use; and, 4. To develop and validate survey methods for monitoring wolverine population status and trend. Findings and Status Trapping was conducted on three sites on the west slope of the Teton Mountain Range in 2000. Trapping began on 19 February 200 and continued until 27 April 2000. Traps were operated a total of 189 trap nights and wolverine presence was detected 7 times during the prebaiting, trapping, and post-trapping periods. No wolverines were captured or processed during 2000. Wolverine sightings in GTNP were mapped from the Park's GIS data base and used to determine potential pre-trapping bait sights for the 20001 field season. We collected 48 relocations (average 1/6days) on 3 wolverines carrying transmitters in 2000. Total 99 percent minimum convex polygon home ranges were calculated for all 3 study animals. Home range area was 780 km2 for M399, 622 km2 for F468, and 276 km2 for F379. Transmitters on all three study animals failed in 2000 as a result of battery failure.

Keywords: Teton mountain range, animal, mammal, wolverine, Gulo gulo, Mustelidae, population, habitat, human activity, mortality, Grand Teton National Park, radio collar