CASCADE RANGE, Washington – If you’re looking for a good short documentary to watch while on your 30 minute lunch break, having coffee in the morning, or just winding down towards the end of the day, give Finding Gulo a watch. The documentary covers a backcountry ski guide & field biologist who hopes to capture photos/videos of elusive wolverines in Washington’s Cascade Range, combining backcountry skiing and conservation.
The film is produced through the Cascades Wolverine Project, an organization dedicated to supporting wolverine recovery in the Cascades. They host events throughout the year in Washington, so make sure to check out their website if you’re interested in their work.
While Canada has a decently robust population of wolverine, the population in the lower 48 states of the U.S.A. has a perilously low population. According to the Endangered Species Coalition, global warming, human disturbances (like trapping & outdoor recreation), and segmented subpopulations isolated by low valleys have all contributed to the low numbers in the states. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did recently announce that wolverines would be protected under the Endangered Species Act, as their population is likely less than 300 in the lower 48.