Wolverines Spotted in Mount Rainier National Park for the First Time in 100 Years

In a tweet, the park even shared a video of the wolverine’s return.

Since only 300 to 1,000 wolverines are estimated to live in the lower 48 US states, seeing one is rare. The animals are also extremely shy and will usually run away if they see a person.

Wolverines pose no threat to humans, though human intrusion can disturb wolverine habitats. To prevent this, the park — along with Washington’s National Park Fund — has created a downloadable carnivore tracking guide to help hikers recognize their tracks. If visitors come upon wolverine tracks, they should report it to the Mount Rainier Wildlife Observations or the Cascades Wolverine Project to help scientists monitor the well-being of the beautiful species that is so elusive.

Photo: NPS/Cascades Carnivore Project

Despite their reputation as shy animals, and their slim numbers in the US, CNN reported that in May a wolverine was spotted eating carrion on a beach in Washington, as well as strolling around the town of Naselle, close to the first sighting.