What
Species:
Species Identification Confidence:
I'm absolutely certain
Observation Method(s):
Individual(s) Observed (seen)
Count:
1
Count Type:
Absolute
Sex:
Male
Life State:
Alive
Life Stage:
Unknown
Species Account:
I saw a large wolverine from our backpacking camp across one corner of Fishpole Lake at an approx. distance of 100 feet (per topographic map). As I sat on the shore with my morning coffee, it came down a hillside to drink and soon headed back up into the trees. It faced me at first, and I was surprised at the broad shoulders and stout frame, reminding me of a bulldog. It was mostly seal-gray with thick creamy yellow bands that split at the neck and joined near the wide rump. Entire sighting lasted for about a minute with no chance to dig out my camera. The torso was at least 2 feet long. Since the long tail probably doesn't weigh much, I estimate the weight at 40 lbs again based on similarity to a bulldog. Because females weigh 20-25 lbs, it apparently was a male. I was thrilled to finally see one after 38 years of backpacking.
Where
Location:
Decimal Degrees: 43.6,-113.8
Location Precision:
±10 meters
Location Resource:
Google Maps Click
Location Use:
Unknown
Region:
Game Management Unit:
County:
When
Date Time:
August 5, 2015, 7:30 am MDT
Date/Time Precision:
Hour
Who
& How
Identification Tools:
Far too big to be a pine martin. Larger and longer than a badger without a badger's low aspect and flat head. Many slides of wolverines shown at IF&G presentation, which lent credence to my preliminary identification.
Survey Method:
Incidental Observation
Location Unresolveable:
No
Source Type:
Animal Observation Report (Sightings)
Verification Status:
Unreviewed