Wolverine . 113 



states that it is uncertain whetlier wolverines occur on Mount Shasta 

 (to the north of the Sierra Nevada), but it is probable that they do, a 

 specimen having been killed about 1893 between Mounts Shasta and 

 Lassen. From most parts of the United States wolverines have been more 

 or less completely exterminated ; but they are still common enough in 

 Canada and Alaska. Concerning their occurrence in the Yukon Valley, 

 Mr. W. H. Osgood^ writes as follows : — 



" Wolverines seem to be quite common in the Yukon district. They 

 were often reported, and I saw a number of skins among the natives on the 

 lower river. One was said to have been trapped at Tagish in the winter 

 of 1898, and others were seen in the vicinity. They are seen frequently 

 about Lake Lebarge in winter, and trappers from the Macmillan River say 

 they are abundant in that region." 



Save where it lives beyond the limits of trees, the wolverine is essen- 

 tially a forest-dwelling animal. It is also commonly stated to be almost 

 completely nocturnal in its habits. Mr. C. L. Herrick, in his work on 

 the Mammals of Minnesota^ says, however, that in districts where it is 

 common the wolverine may be encountered at any time of the day or night, 

 as it certainly may at all seasons of the year, for it is one of those animals 

 that disdain to hibernate. As regards its food, it is exclusively carnivorous, 

 preying chiefly upon small mammals, but occasionally attacking a young 

 reindeer or mule deer, and never refusing a meal of carrion when hungry. 

 War to the death is waged by the trapper against the wolverine, on 

 account of its habit of visiting his line of traps and removing the bait irom 

 each in succession without being injured itself. From four to five cubs 

 are produced at a birth ; the nursery being generally a cave or hollow log, 

 and the season of the year June or July. 



' North Arnerican Fdurui, No. 19, p. 44 (1900). 



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