Swan Valley is a critical linkage for wolverine

SWAN VALLEY - I would like to call attention to an article from the August 2019 issue of National Geographic Magazine “As wolverines battle to survive, warming poses a threat.” The article discusses the wolverine that survive in the lower 48 states. Only about 300 of these unique animals are known to exist in four states: Montana, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming.

The article displays a very unique two-page photograph of a wolverine feeding on a deer carcass. The picture was taken in our Swan Valley. There are several outstanding photos of wolverines that accompany the story.

The main message of the article goes on to say that the range of the wolverine is so large that National Parks and Wilderness areas cannot contain them. Biologist now say we must safeguard natural corridors that link these protected areas ensuring that species such as wolverines can travel across large landscapes, exchange genes and adjust to changing conditions.

Perhaps no area provides a more critical linkage from the Yellowstone to the Yukon regions than the Swan Valley. This connection bridges the two most intact mountain ecosystems remaining on earth. Currently there is a conservation organization Swan Valley Connections that is monitoring the status of the wolverine and other carnivores. The author acknowledges this organization for their assistance in this project.

The Swan Valley has its own specialty license plate with a picture of a wolverine. The monies generated from the sale of these plates help support the work necessary to monitor these sensitive wilderness dependent carnivores. Please take the time to read the article in National Geographic. It is worth it.

 

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