March 2020 | SMITHSONIAN 51
A sedated fe-
male wolverine is
weighed before
researchers
outfi t her with a
satellite collar.
It’s attached
with a fabric
that is supposed
to disintegrate in
a few months—to
minimize impact
on the animal. Photographing
a sedated
animal’s teeth to
help determine
its health and
age. The images
can also be used
to identify a
recaptured wol-
verine. Unusual
upper molars
that curve
inward crush
bones and tear
frozen meat.