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Welcome to our ALL THINGS WOLVERINE Page
An Introduction
First of a bit of explanation about our studies and partnerships. By studying Wolverines we are really engaged in an exciting “Citizen’s Science” study of an array of Rare Forest Carnivores, including many members of the mustelid (Weasel) family such as Marten, Fisher and Ermine, as well as Lynx. By looking for Wolverines we also find out information about all these critters and contribute to a better understanding of their habits and habitat.
The winter of 2011-2012 marks our second season of partnership with Idaho Fish and Game in studying these rare forest carnivores and our backcountry efforts are in full swing. With assistance from the Idaho Conservation League as well as other community partners we are on track to engage over 100 active volunteers to deploy approximately 40 wildlife camera stations!
To study these elusive creatures, wildlife cameras stations are deployed by volunteers under the guidance of IDFG biologists at strategic locations throughout the wilderness of the Idaho Panhandle and western Montana. These camera stations provide a simple, effective, and non-invasive way to gather population data on multiple species at the same time. These cameras have documented fisher, marten, ermine, lynx, wolverine, and many other creatures. IDFG is also using their staff to deploy additional monitoring station in the Idaho Panhandle region.
A good introduction to our project would be to view this short (2 minute) video clip which can be found on our You Tube Channel. It’s an exciting series of photos from several early reporting stations showing some of the critters that come to visit:
This group snowshoed into the Scotchman Peaks to set up a wolverine bait station during the 2010-11 season.
Building Upon Success
We began our partnership and study in the winter of 2010-2011, assisting IDFG with a few stations in the West Cabinet Mountains. The response of FSPW volunteers was amazing, and as a result, the efforts of IDFG were well-enhanced. In the spring of 2011, IDFG proposed that FSPW apply for a grant from Zoo Boise to build upon the Winter 2011-12 study. As a result, FSPW was awarded almost $30,000 to fund the acquisition of additional cameras and hire a part time volunteer coordinator. Idaho Conservation League and the staff of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education have partnered with us on logistics and volunteer recruitment. Many other community organizations have helped with volunteers too!
To read more about the history and general background of our Wolverine project, click on the link, or go to: The Wolverine Project: History and Overview
How to Volunteer
Volunteering with the FSPW Wolverine Project takes many forms. Some of our volunteers commit to becoming Monitoring Station Leaders and spend several days over the course of the season visiting backcountry camera stations. Others have more limited schedules, but still enjoy a fun and educational trek into the backcountry when they have the opportunity to assist our station leaders. Other Volunteers work in our office in Sandpoint, ID, where they sort through wildlife camera photos and enter data collected from our monitoring stations. If you are interested, we will find a way for you to help!
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, go to, or click on How to Volunteer for the Wolverine Project or write to: mustelids@scotchmanpeaks.org
Additional Information and Resources
If you already know you want to volunteer, you can start the process by completing a short survey. We are asking all wolverine volunteers to fill out this survey. This is essential to us matching up your interests, geographical knowledge, experience and skills with a station, or task that is suitable for you. Download the survey and fill it out. Then e-mail to: mustelids@scotchmanpeaks.org or print and mail to Wolverine Survey, P.O. Box 2061. Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Download the Wolverine Volunteer Survey Here
Our Volunteer Coordinator
We’re all here to help, but if you are a volunteer your main point of contact will be Kelsey Brasseur, our Wolverine Project Coordinator. Kelsey is the right person for the job! Read more:
Meet Kelsey Brasseur, the Wolverine Project Coordinator
A Bit About Wolverines
Of all Idaho’s native wildlife, the wolverine and its cousins in the mustelid family are among the most elusive, secretive and shy. The wolverine itself is the size of a small dog and related to weasels, polecats, ferrets, minks, fishers, otters, badgers, skunks and martens. These far-ranging scavengers are commonly associated with rugged, snowy terrain of the Selkirks and Cabinet Mountains. From Idaho to the Arctic Circle, wolverines thrive in places few other species can even survive.
Click on the link below to go to a very interesting webpage for Wolverine tracks and more go to Wild Things Unlimited at:
Tracking hints for wolverines (and more)
To learn more about What We Know about Wolverines go to:
Some Interesting Trip Reports
Read about our first field trip of the season this is part of what Citizen Science is all about, the experience as well as the results:
The first foray of the 2011-12 season
More about our first season, winter 2010-2011
Read some background about our project’s first year:
Report from the field — February 2011
Read about the Results from 2010-2011:
Final report: 2010-11 Winter Studies
Our Patron
This study has been made possible in large part by funding from the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund. Their grant allowed us to purchase 27 cameras and accessories, supplies and hire our coordinator. Thank you to Zoo Boise!
Click here to learn more about this grant
Click here to learn more about the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund
