Wolverine

From Yellowstone National Park:

Wolverines traverse incredible distances over harsh terrain to survive in the alpine environments of the greater Yellowstone area. Deep snow is critical to their survival. Female wolverines excavate birthing dens out of persistent, stable snow greater than 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep. It protects young while they are vulnerable and buffers cold winter temperatures. If snow comes earlier or later in the year, it may be out of sync with wolverine breeding cycles. If there is less snow, or if snow melts too soon, it may also jeopardize young wolverines’ survival. 

Many people wonder what will become of the wolverine in the future.

Gunnison sage-grouse

From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:

Today it was determined that the Gunnison sage-grouse should be protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Low numbers and threats to populations continue to place the species at risk. 

Find out more: bit.ly/GunnisonSageGrouse

We are committed to conserving the Gunnison sage-grouse by supporting ongoing conservation work and agreements and working with a diverse array of partners, including the states, counties and private conservation groups with whom we have worked so successfully up to this point, to move swiftly to recovery.

Photo: Gary Kramer