JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — What a special treat for Yellowstone visitors Carl Kemp and his daughter Maya as they observed a wolverine in the park on March 5.
A wolverine sighting is rare, indeed. Wildlife biologists are not even sure just how many wolverines exist in the wild, they are so elusive to spot. While not endangered, the animal exhibits a low population density and requires a very large home range.
While on tour with nature guide MacNeil Lyons of Yellowstone Insight Tours, the Kemp family was able to see a wolverine in the wild.
“To put this in perspective,” Kemp said, “there have only been seven wolverines ever seen in Yellowstone.”
After seeing wolves, bears, mountain goats, big horn sheep, elk, golden eagles and more during their eventual tour, the Kemps were headed back when the group spotted what they first thought was a small black bear running down the road. The animal’s low-to-the-ground profile had Lyons stopping his Suburban and grab for a camera.
“The wolverine, which looked to be about 30 lbs according to MacNeal and Park Ranger Schwartz (who saw the pics and tracks), appeared to be more curious than afraid,” Kemp said. “It looked at us several times before bounding up the hill. After giving us one more inquisitive look from the top of the hill (where MacNeil got some AMAZING shots) it disappeared into the Yellowstone’s deep evergreen forest, and left us all with a memory we will never forget.”
Wow! We’re jealous. Glad you and your daughter got to see this elusive animal. Make sure Maya knows how special this was.
