Wolverine: meet the animal that inspired the creation of the mutant hero

Created by Marvel Comics in 1974, the character Wolverine first appeared in issue 180 of the comic book “The Incredible Hulk”, designed by Len Wein, John Romita, Roy Thomas and Herb Trimpe. Although the team created the character, it was Marvel’s editor-in-chief at the time, Roy Thomas, who developed the concept of the mutant using the wolverine as inspiration.

Known as wolverine , glutton , bear-skunk and wolverine, the animal is commonly found in cold regions of northern North America and Eurasia (Europe and Asia) — including Canada, the Marvel character’s home country. The mammal does not have physical characteristics similar to Wolverine, such as an adamantium skeleton and blue hair, but is known for its aggressiveness, strength and ability to face larger predators — just like Logan.

These animals are so brave that scientists have even observed wolverines fighting with wolves and small bears, whether in battles for food or territory. To show more about the characteristics of the Wolverine, CNN gathered information from biologists and experts in the field.

“Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies the wolverine as a species of least concern, wolverines are scarce in Europe and the eastern and southwestern parts of their range in North America because of hunting, trapping, and poisoning efforts designed to keep these animals away from livestock,” says Encyclopedia Britannica.

What is a wolverine?

THE mammal is a member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and, although it resembles a small bear in appearance, its size is more similar to that of a wild cat. On average, wolverines are between 64 and 104 centimeters long and weigh between 8 and 18 kg. Males are usually up to 40% larger and heavier than females and can weigh up to 30 kg.

Their fur is dark brown, but they also have a light brown stripe that runs from the tip of their tail to the end of their neck. The species communicates through vocalizations and smell. Despite what it may seem, they are considered good swimmers; their natural environment is not water, but they know how to swim when necessary.

Like skunks, wolverines can release a strong, unpleasant odor through secretions from their anal glands, but only in cases of danger or stress. Like the antihero of X-Men the animal has claws, although they are not adamantium . Unlike Logan, their claws are fixed and not retractable. In addition to using them to attack enemies, wolverines also use them to climb trees.

The wolverine is a carnivorous animal and usually feeds on animal carcasses; in fact, regions with cold and snow are ideal for these mammals to live. The name glutton (Gulo, in Latin) may have arisen precisely because it eats a lot when it has the opportunity, since in the cold it is difficult to find food to maintain any type of continuous feeding. Its diet also includes small rodents, birds and even some larger animals, such as deer, reindeer and elk. In the latter case, they usually attack when the prey is already sick or injured.

Threat of extinction

“Scientists studying North American wolverines have observed significant population declines in regions that experience sharp reductions in snowfall. Harsh winters with deep snow are thought to provide more food resources for wolverines. Carcasses of deer, elk, and other ungulates are more abundant under these conditions, as are rodents,” the Britannica Encyclopedia adds.

Scientific data indicates that wolverines are in danger of extinction for several reasons, such as human actions and climate change, which can reduce cold and snow in the regions where they live. In Canada, the wolverine was placed on the endangered species list in 2018, and in the United States, this occurred in 2023.

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