Wolverines are trapped for fur across their northern range, raising serious welfare concerns due to trap-induced injuries and prolonged suffering before death or release.
Wolverine trapping for the fur trade causes serious welfare harms through trap injuries, prolonged restraint in adverse weather, and predator exposure. The combination of climate vulnerability and trapping pressure creates compounding threats to this already rare species. Regulatory approaches including mandatory trap check frequencies, restriction of most harmful trap types, and exclusion from protected areas represent welfare improvements. Consumer decisions to avoid wild-trapped wolverine fur eliminate demand for this harmful practice.