In the heart of Idaho’s Payette National Forest, wildlife biologists have made a significant discovery: the presence of the endangered wolverine. This elusive creature, known for its powerful claws and muscular build, was captured on camera as part of an effort to monitor its population in the region.

Monitoring Efforts

Last fall, seven cameras were strategically placed throughout the forest to attract and capture images of wolverines. These cameras, equipped with bait or scent, help researchers estimate the population size of this rare species using DNA analysis. Over the course of two years, only nine wolverines were documented, underscoring the precarious status of these animals.

Among those documented was Olive, a female wolverine whose DNA was collected in 2025 from Hard Creek and Granite Lake. As a juvenile, or kit, Olive dispersed into the territory and was radio-collared as part of the Sawtooth National Forest Wolverine Winter Recreation research project. This project aims to better understand the movements and habits of wolverines in their natural habitat.

Conservation Status

Wolverines were listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act in 2024. With an estimated population of only 300 in the lower 48 states, conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their survival. These animals are adept at traversing snowy landscapes, yet their numbers continue to dwindle due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

The findings in Payette National Forest are a reminder of the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need to protect these unique creatures. As researchers continue to study and monitor wolverines, the hope is to develop strategies that will aid in their recovery and preservation.

Original reporting: KTVB (Boise metro) — read the source article.