Skiers spot wolverine on Big Mountain

A lone wolverine was spotted by skiers on Big Mountain last week just off the Lower Badrock slope near the base of Chair 4.

Ski patroller Chuck Cameron was told about the wolverine and when he went to check it out he found a deer carcass, wolverine tracks and scat. Known as elusive animals, wolverine sightings are quite rare. Cameron said the only other time he’s seen a wolverine near the ski area was 10 years ago on Hellroaring Peak.

There is a high concentration of wolverines in Glacier National Park. Studies using transmitter collars show that wolverines often travel more than 92 miles in a week.

It’s not uncommon to spot other wildlife on the ski slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Bears and bear dens are often seen by skiers. The resort closes Hellroaring Basin each year at the end of March to provide security areas for emerging grizzlies.

The final day to ski in Hellroaring Basin this year is March 31.