Wolverines in Lower 48 gain protection under Endangered Species Act
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Wolverines in the Lower 48 states of the United States have been added to the list of species threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act due to the impact of climate change. As temperatures rise, the wolverine's habitat is shrinking, making it difficult for the animal to find deep mountain snow for denning and protecting its young. The decision comes after a long legal battle and highlights the debate over human-animal coexistence and the role of federal protection. Wolverines, known for their ferocity and curiosity, were nearly wiped out in the past but have made a modest recovery with a population of around 300 in the northern Rocky and Cascade mountains. However, their future is uncertain as their secluded, snowy habitat diminishes due to global warming.