Wolverines are the largest members of the weasel family despite their appearance which resembles a small bear. They are covered by a thick coat of fur which keeps them warm in their cold environments.

They are found in cold, northern areas of North America, Europe and Asia.

These animals are considered omnivorous and feed on prey up to the size of a deer along with seasonal fruits and berries. The larger food items will be buried and dug up multiple times to ensure a supply of food.

Learn more about these mammals by reading on.

Appearance

The wolverine is a large, carnivorous mammal with a heavily built body covered by a thick coat of fur. This fur is colored blackish brown across much of the body except for a pale stripe down the side of the body. A white chest patch is also present in some individuals.

Their coat keeps them warm in the cold, northern areas which they inhabit. It prevents snow and ice from getting close to the skin which helps to prevent heat loss.

This thick fur is hydrophobic (water repelling) which prevents them from becoming cold.

At the end of the short, powerful limbs are broad feet which act as snowshoes to carry them against the snow without falling in. This gives them an advantage when hunting prey which are unsteady on the snow.

The short legs, small ears and neck provide less surface area from which heat can be lost.

Their body ends with a fluffy tail of between 17 and 26cm (6.5-10in) long.

Males wolverines are up to a third larger than females.

Diet

Wolverines are omnivores with their diet made up of animal prey such as rodents, sheep and up to the size of a deer or moose. Seasonal fruit and berries are also consumed.

They will scavenge for carrion and when their is too much feed for them to eat at once they may store their prey for future use. To help find food they have buried they have a keen sense of smell.

They have a strong jaw which allows them to crush frozen meat or bones.