As wolverines reclaim their former range across Washington state and beyond, recreationalists are the eyes and ears on the landscape tracking their return. This dynamic map, created in collaboration with Rivershed SPC, exhibits the incredible effort of our community scientists in documenting wolverines and their tracks across the Cascades. The map includes confirmed and likely wolverine sightings, as well as observations of wolverine tracks submitted to and reviewed by CWP. To protect the privacy of both wolverines and recreationists, locations are aggregated. Please read the full terms of usage below the map.
Purpose of the Map: Our map is designed to showcase observations of wolverines and wolverine tracks in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, and other adjacent landscapes, as contributed by members of the public. In interpreting the data, keep in mind that the number of observations of wolverines does not indicate the number of wolverines in the landscape.
Wolverines have large home ranges, and a single observation does not assure their presence in the same location over time. However, if a wolverine is consistently spotted in the same area between February and May, she may be denning and raising young. Please avoid these sensitive denning areas, and report any wolverine dens you observe.
Click for Terms and Conditions
Access to Data: Some data displayed on the map may be proprietary and owned by third parties. Users are granted access to view and interact with this data solely for non-commercial or educational purposes. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of proprietary data is strictly prohibited.
User Contributions: Public observers may contribute wolverine observations through the Cascades Wolverine Project here. Contributors may grant permission for the Cascades Wolverine Project to share their observation photos publicly. By submitting, users agree to grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use their contributions in connection with the map and our community science initiatives.
Privacy Protection for Wildlife: Wolverines are a threatened species in the contiguous United States. Observations are spatially aggregated on the map to protect both wolverine and observer privacy. We encourage you to learn more about wolverines and the best practices for recreating in wolverine habitat.
Accuracy of Information: While we strive to provide accurate and reliable data on the map, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of user-contributed content. Users are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the data they submit. The user-contributed observations displayed on this map have been reviewed by at least two wildlife professionals, who determine if a submitted track or direct observation is likely or definitively a wolverine. However, not all observations shown on the map are verified detections. Only direct observations accompanied by diagnostic photos are considered verifiable by the scientific community.
Observations submitted without accompanying photos cannot be verified as wolverine sightings, but they are still included in the comprehensive “All Observations” dataset. Please note that this map is updated quarterly, at most, and may not reflect all wolverine observations currently submitted to the Cascades Wolverine Project.
Intellectual Property Rights: All content and materials on the map, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, are owned or licensed by Cascades Wolverine Project and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Users may not use, reproduce, or distribute any content from the map without our prior written consent.
Modification of Terms: We reserve the right to modify these terms of use at any time without prior notice. By continuing to use the map after any such modifications, users agree to be bound by the updated terms.
Limitation of Liability: In no event shall we be liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the map, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Governing Law: These terms of use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
By using our Community Science Observations Map, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. Thank you for being a part of our community science initiative!
How to Record a Wolverine Observation
Respecting Wolverines in the Cascades
The Cascades mountains are a spectacular playground as well as an alpine ecosystem that deserves our respect and care. Here are some simple guidelines for sharing the mountains with wolverines.
Be Wildlife Aware
1: Be Wildlife Aware
Know who lives where you are recreating. In the mid to upper elevations of the Cascades, you may be in the habitat of sensitive species such as wolverine, lynx, ptarmigan, fisher, gray wolf, Cascade red fox, Pacific marten, mountain goat and many other species. Learning about local wildlife, especially their requirements for feeding, resting and denning areas, will heighten your awareness of how to be respectful in their habitat.
Pay attention to current information about wildlife in your area from land managers, community groups and posted trailhead signs. Adapt your recreation plans accordingly.
Look and listen for signs of wildlife while you are recreating to reduce the likelihood of an encounter.
Take care not to disturb wildlife during winter, which can be a difficult time for many species due to low temperatures, limited food and deep snow. Female wolverines have an added challenge as they birth and rear their kits in snow dens near treeline from February to May.
Share what you see in your local recreation community so others know if there are places to avoid. Submit wolverine observations here.
Learn to Make Observations of Wolverine Tracks
Learn to identify wolverine tracks. Wolverines tracks are icecream cone shaped or round and about the size of your hand with five toes. Wolverines tracks are often solitary and far-ranging. Track patterns are usually a 2×2 bound or a diagonally arranged 1-2-1 lope. Learn more about identifying wolverine tracks.
If you find tracks you think might be a wolverine, prepare to submit your observation
1. Record time, date, and location.
2. Photograph tracks and trail patterns with a recognizable scale
3. Submit your observation through our easy online form or email us at info@CascadesWolverineProject.org
If you see a single set of wolverine tracks, there is no need to leave the area. Wolverines can travel long distances in a single day.
If you find multiple sets or a network of wolverine tracks observed over multiple weeks during the denning season, it could indicate proximity to a highly sensitive maternal den. Wolverine snow dens are located near and below treeline in snow-covered scree, boulders or trees. A den entrance is a hole in the snow 12 inches (30 cm) across with wolverine tracks leading in and out.
Please avoid disturbing or investigating a potential den site! A mother wolverine, with her kits, may abandon the den if she perceives a threat. Take photos of the hole and tracks from a respectful distance, leave the area and submit your observation when you return to the front country.
Encountering a Wolverine
Learn to identify a wolverine: An adult wolverine is the size of a medium-sized dog, with large feet and a bushy tail. Including the tail, a wolverine measures 34 – 42 inches in length (85 – 105 cm). Their fur is dark brown with a pale buff or blonde stripe extending along their sides from the neck to the base of the tail. Learn more about how to identify wolverines here.
If you see a wolverine, don’t approach them! Relish a rare glimpse of a wild wolverine. Take photos or video from where you are so you can submit your observations. Wait until the animal has moved on and give the animal(s) plenty of space.
Current best practices have been derived from the few published studies that show us how wolverines are impacted by recreation in other areas of North America, including Krebs et al. (2007), Heinemeyer, et al. (2019), and Barrueto, et al. (2022). The Cascades mountain ecosystem has unique pressures and protections that warrant further research into what constitutes functional tolerance to human disturbance in our region. We encourage recreationists to use the precautionary principle: If you think you may be threatening an animal, change your behavior. Recreating respectfully is built on balancing recreational pursuits with the needs of the greater ecosystem.