Wolverines, elusive members of the weasel family, are present in Oregon, though they remain an exceptionally rare sight. These powerful carnivores are typically found in remote, high-elevation habitats, making encounters with humans uncommon. Their recent documented appearances signify a gradual return to parts of their historical range.
Their Return to Oregon
Wolverines were once native to Oregon but were largely absent for many decades. They were believed to have been extirpated by 1936, with only unverified reports surfacing between the 1960s and 1990s. The first confirmed tracks in recent history were identified in Wallowa County in northeastern Oregon in 2011.
In March 2023, the first confirmed wolverine sighting outside the Wallowa Mountains in over 30 years occurred near the Columbia River. This individual was likely dispersing from established populations in neighboring states like Idaho or Washington. Since then, an “unprecedented” number of sightings have been reported across various parts of Oregon in 2023 and 2024. These recent observations include areas along the central coast, Eugene, and near the Columbia River, as well as in Damascus, Santiam Pass, Nehalem, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, and Canby. Young wolverines often travel long distances, sometimes over 30 miles in a day, as they seek new territories.
Where They Live and Thrive
Wolverines in Oregon primarily inhabit high-elevation regions with persistent snowpack and remote, rugged terrain. Their preferred environments include alpine areas, subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, and open forests, typically found above 6,000 feet, providing both foraging grounds and secure denning sites.
Historically, wolverines were known in the Wallowa Mountains. More recently, confirmed locations include Three-fingered Jack in Linn County, the Steens Mountains in Harney County, and Broken Top Mountain in Deschutes County. While they prefer these high-altitude habitats, dispersing individuals may travel through lower-elevation areas that do not typically support permanent wolverine populations. Their elusive nature and their vast habitat make confirming their presence challenging.
Conservation and Coexistence
Wolverines are recognized as a threatened species in Oregon, a status they have held since 1975. In November 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service federally listed them under the Endangered Species Act. This designation underscores the need for protective measures to support their recovery in the lower 48 states.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), with partner organizations like Cascadia Wild, conducts monitoring efforts to track wolverine populations. These initiatives often involve camera trapping, hair snagging, and tracking surveys to gather data on their movements and presence. If you encounter a wolverine, observe from a distance and avoid disturbing it. Reporting sightings to the ODFW or through platforms like iNaturalist can provide valuable information for conservation efforts; do not chase the animal on foot or by vehicle.