Guidelines for Winter Recreation near Wolverine Dens in Montane Western North America
A recent study has synthesized existing information to guide recreational activities near breeding female wolverines, emphasizing the importance of minimizing disturbance to these sensitive animals. Disturbance can lead to females abandoning their dens, which can have dire consequences for their young, including increased risk of predation and energetic stress.
Wolverine den in snowy areas with boulders or woody debris at or below tree line in montane western North America. They have naturally low reproductive rates, a fidelity to denning areas, and a sensitivity to human presence during denning. The goal of this study was to synthesize existing ecological information for denning wolverine and identify risks from human presence in the categories of timing, distance, footprint, pattern of use, and frequency of use.