Wolverine State Loses Only Known Wolverine
The Wolverine State has lost its only known wild wolverine.
State officials said Monday hikers found the 28-pound female over the weekend outside Minden, about 90 miles north of Detroit.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment spokeswoman Mary Dettloff says natural causes are suspected.
Hunters first spotted the wolverine in 2004. Teacher Jeff Ford tracked the animal for years and says it had distinctive markings "like a fingerprint." He says years of monitoring failed to document any other wolverines in the area.
Previously, the last known Michigan wolverine sightings were in the early 1800s. The animal's ferocious reputation led to its selection as a mascot for the state and the University of Michigan.
Most North American wolverines are found in Alaska and Canada.
AP State officials said Monday hikers found the 28-pound female over the weekend outside Minden, about 90 miles north of Detroit.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment spokeswoman Mary Dettloff says natural causes are suspected.
Hunters first spotted the wolverine in 2004. Teacher Jeff Ford tracked the animal for years and says it had distinctive markings "like a fingerprint." He says years of monitoring failed to document any other wolverines in the area.
Previously, the last known Michigan wolverine sightings were in the early 1800s. The animal's ferocious reputation led to its selection as a mascot for the state and the University of Michigan.
Most North American wolverines are found in Alaska and Canada.
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But this being Saint Patrick's Day, let me point out that Ireland now has snakes.
St. Patrick is supposed to have driven all the snakes out of Ireland, although scientists had more rational explanations for their absence there.
But now, thanks to Irish pet owners who got tired of their exotic pets and turned them loose, wild snakes are being spotted in the hills and forests of Ireland.
I've been all over that state and I've never seen one there.