A Proposal to Live-Capture, Mark,
and
Monitor Wolverine
in the
Teton Range of Western Wyoming

Primary Investigators:
Alta 4H Exploring Natural Resources Club
Jeff Copeland - Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Introduction and Statement of Problem:
The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is one of the least understood large carnivores in North America. It is an uncommon inhabitant of northern boreal forests and arctic tundra. The contiguous U.S. distribution of the wolverine extends southward from Canada in to the Rocky Mountain States, but its presence in the western U.S. is not well documented. Only Montana and Idaho report populations of some known extent.

A large home range, low population density, and solitary lifestyle, combined with wilderness habitation, has made study of the wolverine difficult and infrequent. To date, only 6 comprehensive studies have provided a basic understanding of wolverine ecology and life history requirements in North America (Hornocker and Hash 1981, Gardner 1985, Magoun 1985, Whitman et al. 1986, Banci 1987, Copeland 1996).

(You can see complete citations of the research works mentioned in this document on our Bibliography Page)

The wide ranging nature of the wolverine has complicated attempts to assign specific habitat requirements to the species. Wolverine appear associated with remote, boreal habitats that correlate with the absence of human presence. Factors that regulate wolverine populations are not well described. While the species is protected in most western states, and given status as Sensitive (USDA Forest Service), and Species of Special Concern (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), it is not priority for research.

Recent wolverine research in Idaho (Copeland 1996), and 2 old world snowtracking studies (Myrberget 1968, Pullianian 1968), provide descriptive accounts of female wolverines abandoning reproductive dens presumably due to human disturbance. The Idaho study and an Arctic Alaska study (Magoun 1985) offer the only data on wolverine reproductive dens in North America. The Idaho denning data are specific to only 2 females.

Recent management efforts in several western states have focused on surveying for wolverine presence with much of the effort directed at determining presence of reproductively active females. The reported sensitivity of female wolverines to human presence during the denning period would have substantial management implications relative to human winter recreation. The paucity of data on wolverine distribution and denning habitat selection makes management decisions in this area difficult.

Presence of wolverine does not necessarily indicate presence of a resident population. As dispersing wolverines are capable of long distance movements, presence may only reflect the movement capabilities of dispersing wolverine. However, Idaho male wolverines did not disperse until they were reproductively mature, which occurred at about 2 years of age. As such, presence of reproductively immature individuals in the trap capture may indicate residency status.

The public has little awareness of wolverine distribution, biology, or life history requirements. As wildlife management is largely dependent on public support, public participation in research could have a positive impact on future efforts to conserve and manage wolverine.

Objectives:
Live-trap, radio-instrument and monitor wolverines to achieve the following objectives:

1. Determine residency status of study animals by assessing age and sex structure of trap capture.
2. Radio-instrument wolverines to monitor movement, spatial use, and habitat selection, with primary focus on denning habitat selection by reproductively active females.
3. Provide an educational opportunity for the Alta 4-H club to participate in the development and execution of wildlife research.

Procedures/Methods:
Trapping and processing of study animals
Log-traps will be built on site during the summer/fall of 1997. Trap design will follow Copeland et al. (1995).

Trapping will take place during winter months from late December until conditions allow. Live-traps (log traps) will be baited with road-killed deer and elk. To minimize trap visitation and disturbance by research personnel, traps will be equipped with transmitters to indicate when the traps have been set off. Transmitters will be monitored daily and traps visited at least every 4 days to check trap and bait condition.

Primary target animals are wolverine, lynx, and fisher. Upon capture of any of these species, the trap checker will remain at the trap and contact the base station by radio (hand held radios will be provided to field personnel). Base station personnel will contact standby personal at Wyoming Game and Fish and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Arrangements will be then be made for processing. Nontarget captures will be released immediately.

Captured target animals will be chemically immobilized for processing. They will be weighed, measured, sexed, examined for reproductive condition and a premolar extracted for aging. A blood sample will be collected to measure health and determine reproductive status of females. Animals will be ear-tagged and instrumented with radio-collars and/or implant transmitters. If implant transmitters are used, surgery will be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Remote camera systems (depending on availability) will be installed at each trap to record wildlife visitations. During visits, trap checkers will perform the following functions (field data forms will be prepared):

• Record date and time of visit
• Record any wildlife tracks within a 50 meter radius of the trap
• Record the number of photos remaining on remote camera
• Replace camera film if 30 or more photos have been exposed
• Replace camera or sensor battery if necessary
• Make any necessary repairs and/or adjustments to trap

Project security and safety
This project is intended, in large part, to provide an educational exercise and as a tool for raising public awareness of wolverine. As such, the project will likely develop a high level of public interest and curiosity. Trapped animals, however humane the trap, experience elevated trauma and capture stress. Once traps are set, trap transmitter signals must be checked in the a.m. daily. Physical checks of traps and snowtracking efforts may involve travel under extreme environmental conditions. To avoid unnecessary disturbance of trap sites, and unnecessary risks to project personnel, the project will operate under the following guidelines:

1. The location of traps will not be made public. 4H members will initiate press releases outlining the importance of avoiding nonscheduled visits to traps by the public. Signs will be posted near traps cautioning visitors to avoid approaching traps. If security at traps becomes a problem, traps will be shut down until security can be established.

2. Wolverine locations will not be made public prior to 24 hours following a relocation effort. Specific location of reproductive den sites will not be made public until dens are no longer in use by females.

3. Trap checks will be done by no less than 2 personnel. Hand held radios will be provided for field personnel. Responsible parties will be notified that traps are being visited prior to the trap check.

Personnel and Cooperators:
A steering committee of representatives from each cooperator will guide and oversee the project. The committee will be notified prior to commencement of trapping and upon capture of any target species. Steering Committee members may be granted a meeting or project update at their discretion.

Field work will be conducted primarily by 4H Club members, with adult supervision, and under the direct, daily guidance of at least 1 Steering Committee member. Processing and handling of target animals will only occur under the direct supervision of an agent of either the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, or the Wyoming Game and Fish.

Cooperators/Steering Committee Members

• Jeff Copeland, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
• Dick Stieger, 4H Club Leader
• Larry Williamson, Grand Targhee Ski Area Manager
• Gary Lust, Mountain Air Research
• Marynell Oechsner, Targhee National Forest
• Bob Oakleaf, Wyoming Game and Fish
• Steve Cain, Grand Teton National Park
• Clinton Long, The Wolverine Foundation
• Steve Buskirk, University of Wyoming

Finances:
This project will be funded primarily by private donations and in-kind assistance from cooperating agencies and organizations. Additional funding sources will be investigated during the project period.

Project Duration and Products:
The project will operate on a year-to-year basis. If study animals are instrumented, they will be monitored through the life of the transmitter (approximately 2 years). If no study animals are instrumented in year 1, the steering committee will assess continuation of the project. A monthly summary of project status will be provided to steering committee members, cooperating agencies and the local press. A report of project results will be provided to all cooperating agencies at the completion of the study period.