Page 117 - Animals of the Sakhalin Region in myths and legends

W (Gulo gulo)

Wolverine

Outwardly, the wolverine resembles a small bear. Its legs are short, the hind legs are longer
than the front ones, which is why its back is arched upward, its feet are disproportionately
large. The tail is short and very fluffy. The fur is thick, coarse and shaggy, the color is not
uniform: from pale brown on the head and neck to dark brown, almost black on the legs.
Wolverine body length — up to 90 cm, height at the withers — up to 50 cm, tail length — up
to 23 cm, weight — up to 20 kg.
Wolverine is a strong, careful and daring beast. It leads a solitary life. Wolverine is called
the eternal vagabond. It is very hardy, and although she walks slowly, it can be on the road for
a very long time. The wolverine usually moves in jumps, somewhat sideways and stooping,
which is why its movements seem awkward. It spends most of the time on the ground, wide
paws help the wolverine to move through loose deep snow.
The wolverine successfully catches white hares, mice, voles, pikas, as well as black grouses,
hazel grouses and other birds. During the spawning of fish, this huge marten willingly picks
up dead chum salmon and pink salmon. In summer, the wolverine eats various insects, berries,
pine nuts.
Lives in the Khabarovsk Region, northern Primorye, on Sakhalin Island. On the latter,
it was found earlier throughout the territory. At present, it inhabits the northern and central
regions and only occasionally enters the Yuzhno-Kamshovoy and Susunayskiy ridges in the
south of the island during wanderings.

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