It’s estimated fewer than 300 wolverines remain in the United States, and one of them just stumbled into view of a remote trail cam in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park received a surprising visitor this winter – an extremely rare wolverine!
For the first time since they were installed in 2014, remote trail cams have captured 5 seconds footage of the beast running through the snow packed woods.
“Last month, park biologists were excited to find one of Yellowstone’s rarest mammals triggered a remote trail camera outside the Mammoth Hot Springs area!” Yellowstone said on its Facebook page.
Before this, there had only been seven wolverines documented in Yellowstone and adjoining forests between 2006 and 2009, according to the National Park Service.
Though the Fish and Wildlife Service has failed to secure them protection under the Endangered Species Act, it’s estimated fewer than 300 wolverines remain in the United States.
The carnivorous weasels are known for their ferocity and ability to kill animals much larger than themselves.