Welcome to the World of Wolverines (Welcome to the World Series) - Softcover

Swanson, Diane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1552858405 ISBN 13: 9781552858400

Publisher: Walrus Books, 2007

Synopsis

Discover these fascinating and elusive creatures.

The wolverine is a fierce predator that tends to hunt in only the most remote wilderness areas. A relative of the mink, this dog-sized animal is capable of hunting deer or caribou and can drive a cougar from its kill. It can bite through bones with its powerful jaws or sniff out a field mouse, even under deep snow.

The wolverine is a shy animal that tries to avoid contact with humans. Its population has decreased because of low birth rates and human settlements. Recognized as endangered, wolverines are considered a rare and vulnerable species.

Includes a table of contents, index, sidebars, and full of extraordinary photography throughout.

About this title

About the Author

Diane Swanson specializes in nature writing for children. She is the author of many books, including Safari Beneath the Sea, which won the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction for Children. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

World of Difference

Think tough. Think Wolverine.

It's the most powerful member of the weasel family -- and that even includes the brawny badger. In fact, for its size, the wolverine may be the strongest of the mammals. Although it's no bigger than a dog of medium height and weight, it can scare away a mountain lion and haul a deer up a tree.

The super strength of the wolverine has given it several scary names, such as devil beast and evil spirit. What's more, some folks believe that it has a fiery temper. Others think that its hide has the power to make people hungry forever. But that's just folklore.

After all, wolverines tend to avoid humans, so few people know the animal well.

Sometimes wolverines are mistaken for black bear cubs. With their little eyes, rounded ears, and boxy snouts, the wolverines look a lot like the cubs. They're also both very furry.

A wolverine's coat, like a black bear's coat, has two layers. The guard hair, or outer coat, can be 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. The woolly underfur, or inner coat, is a lot shorter. It grows extra thick in the winter, which helps to keep the animal warm.

Seen from behind, wolverines are almost never confused with black bear cubs. A wolverine's tail is much longer than a bear's stubby one. The thick, bushy tail of a wolverine can be one-fifth to one-quarter the length of its body, and it's covered with long hair.

About this edition

• Publisher: Walrus Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1552858405
• ISBN 13: 9781552858400
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32