Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: Norman89 on August 26, 2021, 10:43:01 AM

Title: Wolverine
Post by: Norman89 on August 26, 2021, 10:43:01 AM: Second family of wolverines found at Mount Rainier National Park
https://katu.com/amp/news/local/second-family-of-wolverines-found-at-mount-rainier-national-park

Nice to see them making a come back, I don't think they are the only ones here in Washington. Now I'm doubtful this could someday mean we could trap wolverine in our state and I don't think I could build a cage that would hold one for very long as they are insanely strong animals. But I am curious what you guys think this will do for trapping as a whole? They are optimistic feeders and skilled hunters, could this possibly in time damage other animal numbers within the state? Could those less approving of trapping use this as leverage to shut us down even more under the guise of saving another fur bearer as it returns to this territory? The fisher reintroduction seems to be going well so far and I think I read somwhere these 2 are competitors for food sources?
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: Cougartail on August 26, 2021, 11:03:52 AM: They will destroy your trap if you have something caught in it. I don't however see a large population in Washington ever.
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: elkboy on August 26, 2021, 11:16:09 AM: I tend to doubt that fishers and wolverines are close competitors for the same food resources or ecological niche. Fishers tend to keep to mature or old forests, hunting prey like Douglas squirrels or red squirrels. Wolverines really love high elevation, remote wilderness, although they may traverse low elevation areas at times. Just my thoughts.

Likewise, I think it's great to see them documented in various parts of Washington, although Cougartail is probably right- probably not going to be a large population. As climate warms, wolverines are losing the deep snowpacks that they need to raise their kits. Douglas Chadwick's book, "The Wolverine Way", gives a good rundown of wolverine biology and conservation- great read.
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: ShedHead20 on August 26, 2021, 11:40:49 AM: There's a wolverine or two in every section of high country from Mt. Adams to the Canadian Border in the Cascades. One or two have even cruised through the Blues in recent years, probably a younger male looking for a new home range.
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: ShedHead20 on August 26, 2021, 11:43:52 AM: Cool critters. Id love to see one.
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: nwwanderer on August 26, 2021, 12:02:15 PM: And do not forget the one killed along the yakima river, canyon road
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 26, 2021, 12:13:26 PM: I'm afraid that by the time wolverine numbers are high enough for trapping, there will no longer be trapping in WA. :dunno:
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: Jingles on August 26, 2021, 12:14:43 PM: When I lived back in MI had the pleasure of seeing several and can say they are vicious as one took on a bear and won
Title: Re: Wolverine
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 26, 2021, 12:30:18 PM: Quote from: Jingles on August 26, 2021, 12:14:43 PM
When I lived back in MI had the pleasure of seeing several and can say they are vicious as one took on a bear and won

This video has been posted before. It's of a wolverine taking down a caribou in Lapland.
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