Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

Half the size of a grizzly but anecdotally twice as ferocious, these large weasels have a reputation of being some of the meanest animals in the park. Labelled as bad-tempered, solitary, and aggressive, wolverines have been said to fight off bears, mountain lions, and entire packs of wolves; they are even believed to possess evil magic – but does their reputation precede them?

With a surprising amount of strength and endurance packed into their small muscular frame, wolverines are competent predators, but they aren’t cold-hearted killers. Like other animals in the weasel family, wolverines are intelligent masters of survival, able to live in extreme alpine environments. They are adaptable, curious, and opportunistic, travelling 30-40 miles a day through rugged mountain terrain in search of small game, carrion, and plants to eat.

Written by Shawna Wolf
Source: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=692
PC: Mathias Appel on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/2ixjhA5

Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Because of the prominent white stripe running down their back, their stinky reputation, and maybe with a little help from Pepe le Pew, skunks are well-known and easily distinguished critters. They are quite versatile, living in woody and grassy habitats ranging from urban areas to wilderness across the United States.

Skunks aren’t the type to look for trouble, but they are equipped with powerful defense in case trouble finds them. When they feel threatened, skunks raise their tail, arch their back, and stomp their front feet in warning. If the threat presses on, the skunk does not turn away. Instead, they bring their rump around, and we all know what happens next – the skunk releases a powerful, odorous spray that can extend nearly 20 feet away, causing quite the unpleasant experience for the intruder. Alongside its obnoxious stench, the smelly substance can cause pain, nausea, and temporary blindness.

Despite this famous defensive device, skunks unfortunately have an extremely high mortality rate, often being killed by disease, predators, or road incidents within their first year of living. Watch out while driving in the park, especially at night when skunks are most active!

Written by Shawna Wolf
PC: Daniel Arndt on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/GeTxnA

Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

The northern flying squirrel is a small rodent most commonly found in conifer dominated forests from the treeline in northern Alaska and Canada and down into the middle of the continent in Michigan, Wisconsin, California and Colorado. They can be found in deciduous and mixed forests throughout their range, and while they are not frequently seen or overly abundant, they have been found in the Jackson Hole area and Grand Teton National Park. These silvery grey squirrels inhabit treetops and, as the name suggests, they can “fly” from tree to tree to get around the forest. They do this with a furred patagium which extends from their wrist on the forelimbs to the ankles in the hind limbs. This is very advantageous to them as they are quite clumsy on the ground, so being able to glide from tree to tree and fill up on nuts, acorns, and lichen protects them from becoming an easy meal.

Even if you do happen to be in an area populated with flying squirrels, don’t expect an easy viewing opportunity. As evidenced by their large black eyes, Northern flying squirrels tend to be more active at night making them pretty tough to spot in the canopy for the casual wildlife viewer. Learn more about these rambunctious rodents.

Written by Timothy Uttenhove
PC: Daniel Arndt on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/mtGtPQ