Outdoor Pursuits

Few animals capture the rugged spirit of Alberta’s wilderness like the wolverine. Mostly being a solitary creature, this northern mustelid has long been a symbol of Alberta’s wilderness and a prized furbearer for trappers working Alberta’s remote forests and mountain foothills.

Wolverine trapping in Alberta dates back to the beginning of the fur trade era, when Indigenous peoples and European traders valued the animal’s fur for parka trim that resisted icing in extreme cold weather.

Historically, wolverines were never abundant. With vast territories, sometimes hundreds of square kilometres per animal, and a preference for remote landscapes, harvest numbers have always been modest compared to species such as marten, fisher and lynx.

By the mid-20th century, concerns about declining populations (although many believed this was purely speculative) led to tighter regulations. Alberta established Registered Fur Management Areas (RFMAs), assigning specific traplines to licenced trappers, as well as harvest limits (quotas) and seasonal restrictions. Wolverines reproduce slowly, often producing only one or two kits per litter after reaching two or three years of age. This biological reality made them vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance, thus the reason for trapping restrictions.

Despite concerns, Alberta’s wolverine populations have shown great resilience. Modern monitoring methods, including remote cameras, track surveys and genetic analysis, suggest stable or improving populations in some regions of the province. However, more information about Gulo gulo is still required, and because if this, the Government of Alberta is asking trappers to submit a tooth and hair sample from any wolverines they might harvest this year. Under the program, licenced trappers who harvest a wolverine must submit a specific tooth along with a small strip of fur. The tooth—the first maxillary premolar—allows biologists to determine the animal’s age by analyzing growth layers in the root, similar to counting rings in a tree. The fur sample provides DNA for population genetics studies.

According to official instructions, trappers are required to provide the skull when completing the mandatory registration process so that the tooth can be extracted, or they may remove the tooth themselves and supply it at the time of registration. The premolar is used to determine the age of harvested wolverines. The program also requests that a small strip of fur be cut from the edge of the pelt that will be used for DNA profiling.

From a scientific perspective, these samples are invaluable. Age data helps determine survival rates and reproductive success, while DNA can reveal important population information, a key factor in long-term conservation efforts.

The trapping of wolverines in Alberta isn’t without controversy. When the government decided to lift wolverine harvest limits last year, environmental organizations, notably the Alberta Wilderness Association, voiced strong opposition. They argued that without precise population estimates, removing harvest limits would risk overharvest of an already sensitive species. Historically, strict limits were placed on how many wolverines could be taken from each RFMA annually, and trappers acted accordingly. Wildlife officials argued that improved data, stable populations in northern zones, and low harvest rates justified removing the set limits. Trappers also argue that the extremely low number of wolverines harvested each year demonstrates that trapping is not a significant threat. Wolverines are notoriously difficult to catch, and even experienced trappers may go years without harvesting one. In most cases, a wolverine harvest is considered a rare and noteworthy event. Some also note that the economic reality of the fur trade limits harvest pressure. Wolverine pelts command decent prices but demand isn’t great, meaning there is little incentive for excessive harvest.

RFMA holders also view themselves as on-the-ground wildlife stewards. They spend far more time in remote areas than government biologists do and are often the first to discover population changes or trends. From the trapper’s perspective, mandatory tooth and fur submission will be a minor inconvenience, but yet another opportunity to contribute to meaningful research. Maintaining active traplines helps monitor remote landscapes, deters poaching, and preserves traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Perhaps the most important aspect of the program is that it relies on cooperation, not enforcement—trappers will gladly step up to the plate.

Wolverines are too elusive for government agencies to study alone. By using trappers, who have extensive knowledge of their RFMAs, and the existing registration system, biologists can gather important scientific data at minimal cost.

For wildlife managers, the ultimate goal is wolverine management. By using real-world data, they can adjust regulations as needed. If age analysis shows an unsustainable harvest pattern, limits can be adjusted. If DNA reveals isolated populations, targeted harvest limits can be implemented.

From the trappers’ standpoint, participation demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable wolverine harvest.

For more information, visit https://albertaregulations.ca/trappingregs/furbearer-management.html#wolverine.

For the previous Outdoor Pursuits article, click here.