Wolverine-tracking project puts out call for volunteers

A team of wildlife scientists is looking for people able to carry a beaver carcass long distances through the heavy snow to help track wolverines in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks this winter.

Volunteers will help researchers by nailing beaver carcasses and barbed wire to trees in order to attract wolverines and collect their fur.

Calvin Sime worked on a similar project in the Columbia Valley two years ago.

"[You get] fantastic views … in a mountainous terrain," he said. "Once you get up, there's some pretty nice views and some nice features to enjoy while you're volunteering."

Researchers are hoping to map wolverine migration patterns across 6,000 square kilometers.

"There is something about wolverines that just fascinate people. A lot of people are interested in helping out on a research project like this, getting out skiing in the winter time," said Tony Clevenger, who is spearheading the project.

Clevenger says the goal is to see how the Trans-Canada Highway is affecting the animals' movements.

"It's an exciting project," he said. "We had more than 40 people sign up two years ago and I'm expecting a similar amount this year."

Volunteers need to be able to ski long distances through heavy snow in frigid temperatures.