Notes on the Wolverine in Alaska and the Yukon Territory
Rausch RA and Pearson AM. 1972. Notes on the Wolverine in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 36(2):249-268
New data concerning the life history of the wolverine (Gulo gulo) were obtained from 1,059 specimens taken in Alaska and the Yukon Territory during 1960-68. Fifty percent of female wolverines 16 to 28 months old were pregnant; 91 percent of those 29 months and older were pregnant. Wolverines apparently breed in May, June, and July. The blastocysts implant primarily in January and February, and most of the young are born in February and March. Implantation occurs from December through March and parturition occurs from January through April. Fifty-four litters (in utero) averaged 3.5 fetuses. Most male wolverines are sexually mature when 14 to 15 months old. In males, testis weights indicate that the peak of the breeding condition is in May and June. Mean body weights of whole wolverines were: adult males, 31.2 pounds; juvenile males, 29.1 pounds; adult females, 20.7 pounds; and juvenile females, 20.1 pounds. The wolverine is not an endangered species and its habitat is reasonably secure.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Rausch, R; Pearson, A
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , WRST , YUCH
- Keywords
- Behavior, Carnivores, Gulo gulo, in utero, Mammals, Mustelids, Reproduction, Subarctic