Oregon’s rambling wolverine makes stop in Eugene, pops up on social media
Oregon’s rambling wolverine made a stop in Eugene on Thursday to the delight of local residents who filmed the rare species and posted videos on social media.
Multiple videos of what’s believed to be a young and dispersing wolverine — a member of the weasel family that resembles a small bear — circulated on social media. Michael Gravette filmed the animal in the 38th and Willamette area in South Eugene, according to KVAL. It was also filmed and posted on X and Reddit running down an unknown street in Eugene.
Officials with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the sightings were a wolverine.
They said it’s likely it’s the same wolverine that has popped up in multiple locations across Oregon, including recently at the coast. The fast traveler is also suspected to be the one sighted in Barlow earlier this year, along with more recent sightings in Nehalem, Netarts, Newport and Florence in March.
“This wolverine is likely dispersing to a new area where it can survive and hopefully reproduce,” said Beth Quillian, spokeswoman for the ODFW. “Wolverines need high‐elevation habitat (alpine areas with dense snowpack), but young wolverine often disperse long distances to establish new territory.”
Wolverines, which are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, can travel over 30 miles in a day.
“It’s not surprising that this wolverine has covered so much ground,” she said.
Quillian added: “These sightings demonstrate the importance of better maintaining connected natural areas and corridors so that wildlife can move freely, without coming into conflict with development. ODFW and partner organizations work hard to maintain habitat connectivity so animals like this wolverine have a better chance of surviving dispersal or migrations.”
ODFW said people should report sightings to their local ODFW district office.
“If you encounter a wolverine, do not chase it (especially with your car) to try and get footage as this will stress the animal,” Quillian said. “Always remember to keep pets on leash or under control so that they do not chase wildlife. Please respect wildlife and keep your distance.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said habitat loss associated with climate change is the leading threat for wolverine persistence in the United States. Human disturbance and road mortality are some of the other threats considered. In Oregon, wolverines are a protected species and no hunting or trapping of wolverines is allowed in Oregon.
What is a wolverine?
Stocky mammals known for their robust build, dark fur and facial marking — and for inspiring the name of a popular Marvel comics character — the North American wolverine belongs to the weasel family and is well-known for strength and tenacity.
They can weigh up to 40 pounds and be up to 42 inches long, with large, powerful paws and claws. They have short, bushy tails and distinctive facial markings, including light-colored fur around their eyes.
Are wolverines common in Oregon?
Wolverines are rarely spotted by humans in Oregon and typically inhabit remote, northern regions, according to state wildlife officials. Sightings in urban areas like Eugene are highly unusual due to the animal's preference for wilderness habitats.
Wolverines are believed to live only in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Are wolverines dangerous?
Wolverines are not inherently aggressive toward humans but may attack if threatened, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Wildlife officials advise people to maintain a safe distance if encountering one and to avoid provoking or cornering it.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Rambling wolverine makes stop in Eugene, Oregon
