For the first time, Utah officials capture a live wolverine, fit it with a GPS
Wolverines are rarely seen in Utah.
Wildlife officials have managed to get their hand on a rarely-seen, carnivorous predator.
Wolverines are elusive and known for their superior hunting skills, often taking down much larger animals.
The wolverine was initially spotted during livestock air patrols as it hunted sheep, killing or wounding 18 of them.
The fact that it was spotted is, in itself, rare. There have only been eight wolverine sightings in Utah since 1979, local news reports, and until this capture, none have been taken alive.
Biologists used a baited trap to lure the wolverine and fitted it with a GPS collar before re-releasing it back into the wild, far away from the sheep.
The animal was estimated to be 3 or 4 years old, (wolverines live between 7 and 13 years), weighed about 12 kg and was about a metre long.
Now, experts will know exactly where it is at all times, providing crucial insight into the fiercely secretive species.