A reside wolverine has been captured by researchers in Utah for the primary time in state historical past.

Solely eight wolverines have been noticed earlier than within the state since 1979, and till now, none have ever been captured.

Biologists at the moment are hoping to trace the creature to study extra about it, ABC7 reported. The wolverine is estimated to be about 4 years outdated and weighs 28 kilos, the information outlet mentioned.

Wolverines are extraordinarily uncommon. In 2016, it was predicted there have been solely 300 left within the U.S. They want an enormous habitat as they cowl round 15 miles a day. Researchers predict that their numbers will proceed to dwindle because of habitat loss brought on by local weather change.

The wolverine was caught following suspicions that it was accountable for 18 sheep deaths in Wealthy County, close to Salt Lake Metropolis, NBC Information reported.

Wolverine
A inventory picture exhibits a wolverine. It has solely been seen eight occasions in Utah up to now few many years. Denja1/Getty Photos

To research additional, U.S. Agriculture Division officers undertook a livestock safety surveillance final week, throughout which they noticed the animal feasting on a lifeless sheep.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Assets mentioned the wolverine was present in a lure—which had been full of sheep meat—midmorning on March 11.

It was sedated and introduced in for an analysis. Biologists put a collar on the animal to permit them to watch its actions, earlier than they launched the wolverine within the Uinta Mountains, NBC reported.

Jim Christensen, wildlife supervisor for the northern area on the Division of Wildlife Assets, advised NBC it was "once-in-a-lifetime" expertise. The collar will permit biologists to study extra in regards to the secretive species within the state, he mentioned.

"4 totally different wolverine sightings have been confirmed in Utah in 2021. Had been we seeing the identical animal or totally different animals final yr? Having a collar on this animal will assist us clear up that riddle," he advised NBC.

Mark Hadley, of the Utah Division of Wildlife Assets, spoke to native media in regards to the sighting, ABC7 reported.

"The chance to seize and be capable to research an animal that we have needed to find out about for a very long time, however that is so troublesome to seize and get a GPS collar on, so you possibly can observe it, it is actually cool to have been capable of," Hadley mentioned, in accordance with ABC7.

Wolverines, whereas resembling a small bear, are the biggest member of the weasel household. They've the flexibility to take down prey a lot bigger then themselves, which means they'll trigger an issue for livestock.

Traditionally, they lived within the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, and the Southern Rocky Mountains in Wyoming, New Mexico and Colorado.