Wolverines are mustelids of the genus Gulo. They
are among the most powerful animals of their
size. Wolverines live in northern woods of North
America, Europe, and Asia. They have long, tapering heads, heavy 2.5-foot-long bodies, bushy
8-inch tails, short legs, and large feet with sharp
claws. Wolverine teeth are long and sharp. Their
powerful jaws can crush the bones of prey. Wolverines
look like small bears, and their dark, whitemarked
pelts make fine fur garments. This has
made them rare, after ruthless hunting. Males and
females can weigh fifty-five and thirty pounds, respectively.
Wolverines are solitary, except for mating in
spring and summer. Nine months later, females
give birth to around four offspring. Offspring
nurse for ten weeks and stay with their mothers
for a year.Wolverines do not stalk or chase. They
pounce from trees or rocks and kill animals much
larger than themselves, such as reindeer.Wolverines
also eat smaller animals, birds, and carrion.
Wolverine predators are bears, pumas, and humans.
When attackers get near wolverines, they
spray smelly musk. If this warning does not work,
the wolverines fight attackers fiercely.
Reproduction
Male and female wolverines often live alone, except
when mating. Mating seasons lasts from may to august. Pregnancy for mustelids ranges
to nine months. Litters contain two to five
young, depending on food availability.
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Bilateria
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Geographical location: Europe, North America and Asia
Habitat: Taiga and tundra
Gestational period: Nine months
Life span: From ten to up to twenty-five years
Special anatomy: Paws with sharp digging and
grasping claws, luxurious fur, webbed feet in
otters
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