COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE WOLVERINE OBSERVATION FORM
Complete the following questions if you’ve seen a wolverine in Colorado. Please return this form and any photos or video to: Eric Odell Colorado Division of Wildlife 317 West Prospect Street Fort Collins, CO 80526
[email protected] Fax: 970-472-4458
All fields are required. If you do not know the detailed information being asked, please respond “Unknown” or “Not applicable.”
Your Information Name Address City E-mail Jason Wilson 1530 E 5 St. Pueblo
[email protected] State Today’s Date CO
th th
Phone(s)
719-821-5889
Zip
81001
June 15 2011
Date and Observation Day Time Saturday, 11th 12 Month Year 2011
Observation Information Name of general area where you observed the wolverine (e.g. national park, mountain range, wilderness area, etc.): Upon driving up Camp Bird Mine Road en route to set camp for climbing Mt. Sneffels, we saw what we believed was a skunk crossing the road somewhere around Imogene Pass Turn-off and Camp Bird Mine Road. We were able to drive a bit closer to the animal as it came back onto the road, viewing it from a distance of about 10-15 feet in the direct path of our headlights. However, upon a closer look…I realized that it was not a skunk…had similar characteristics of a badger but did not have the distinguishing marks found on badgers. It was most certainly not a raccoon, nor a porcupine, and again it did not have the proper marks to be a badger. I did not see a collar (gps) on the animal. Estimated weight would be that of a small dog, maybe 15-20 lbs. The fur color was a golden brown on the outer side of the animal and darker in color on its center; dark brown head and feet. Describe exact location of observation: (Please include county and nearby landmarks. List GPS location or Township/Range/Section. If using GPS coordinates, please use UTM coordinates and provide the Datum and Zone):
Imogene Pass Turn-off and Camp Bird Mine Road outside of Ouray, CO - on the way up to the Mt. Sneffels trailhead.
Please describe vegetation in area where animal was observed, (e.g. pine trees, grass, willows, etc.): Alpine Tundra - subalpine and alpine territory. Lots of snow cover is still present. Pine trees, aspen, willow bushes, etc.
Describe the behaviors of the animal(s) during your observation. Include both descriptions of activities such as running or walking, and any movements like head shaking or tail twitching. The animal was scouring around roadside in and walking around the ponds and stream water from Spring run off that lay in the road. It appeared to woddle around back and forth in between the road and the forested bank immediate right of us (we were driving up into the Yankee Boy Basin.
ANIMAL’S CHARACTERISTICS Estimated Body Length 20-24+ inches est. Estimated Weight 15-20 lbs.
Tail Length in Proportion to the Body: Color(s): light golden brown and dark brown Markings (spots, striped, other): light golden brown strip that ovaled around the dark brown body
Distance from you to the animal(s)?
10-15 feet 5 minutes
How long were you able to observe the animal? How many animals did you see? Did you see adults or juveniles? Did you take photos or video? 1 2 3+
Adult Juvenile Both Unknown Yes No Yes No
If so, would you be willing to provide a copy to the CDOW? If yes, please attach to this e-mail or send a CD to the address above.
Additional Comments:
Thank you for the valuable information you provide. Your answers will be used to help wolverine conservation in Colorado.