ULAS
University of Leicester Archaeological Services

Glaston Early Upper Palaeolithic Project: The Animals

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

The wolverine (also known as Skunk-Bear or Glutton) is the largest member of the weasel family and is now extinct in Britain. Modern wolverines live in the cold forests and tundra of North America, Europe and Asia. They are solitary and nocturnal creatures with an omnivorous diet. In summer months they live on a variety of food including fruit, berries, invertebrates, birds and rodents. Occasionally however, they will tackle prey the size of a reindeer, particularly if it is sick or injured. In winter they will feed on carrion, often travelling great distances and gorging on carcasses (earning them their alternative name glutton).

The evidence for wolverines from Glaston was restricted to this single jawbone, complete with teeth. Quite how the wolverine fits into the story of the site is uncertain, however the jawbone was distinctive from the other remains by its unusual polished appearance. This had been caused by the gastric juices of a hyena. It had been partially digested and then regurgitated with other indigestible remains. The Glaston wolverine represents one of only a handful of contemporary finds of this creature from the British Isles.