The largest member of the weasel family, it is a rare species typically found in the most remote and rugged country. The wolverine's strength and toughness is legendary, but it is no match for the steady invasion of people and their machines into its remaining wildland habitat. Specific threats include new roads, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and helicopter skiing operations. Idaho is considered one of two strongholds for the lower 48 states. One of the very few studies on wolverine done in recent years was a study by Jeff Copeland conducted in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho.
Habitat protection is essential for their survival.
Today, the wolverine's last remaining stronghold in the lower-48 states has been reduced to western Montana and parts of Idaho, though scattered sightings are still reported in other areas of the Northwest, Sierra, Rocky Mountains, and Lake States.