Wolverines have a reputation for being one of the most powerful, daring and efficient killing machines known to man. They are known to eat their victims — everything from deer and sheep to full-grown caribou — bones, teeth and all. It comes as no surprise that wolverines are being trained to search for and help rescue avalanche survivors. Though the method has raised some eyebrows, new ideas normally do sound ridiculous. Mike Miller of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center houses hundreds of displaced or orphaned animals and is excited about the prospect of training wolverines to be rescuers. “Anything you can train a dog to do, you can train a wolverine to do, only five times quicker,” said Miller. He realizes his plan sounds ridiculous, but points out that 100 years ago people who suggested using dogs for avalanche victim search were thought to be crazy. Wolverines, Miller says, were born to do this; smelling a creature 20 feet below the snow is instinctive for them. They’re known to run along avalanche lines searching for dinner among the animals buried deep in the slide. The squat, bear-like member of the weasel family is famed for powering up difficult terrain that would require professional climbing equipment for humans. Despite the animal’s ferocious distinction, training a wolverine is not as outlandish as it may sound. “They’re very, very playful, and they have a great sense of humor,” said wildlife filmmaker Steve Kroschel. “They’re loyal. Once they know you well, it sticks — they’re kind to you.” Miller concedes that getting the public behind the idea won’t be a cakewalk, and believes that training the wolverines will be the easiest part of his job.
