What environmental feature is critical for female *Gulo gulo* when seeking secure maternity dens?
Answer
Firm snow remaining late into the spring
The wolverine's reproductive success is highly dependent on snow conditions. Females seek out areas where the persistent snowpack remains firm and substantial well into the late spring. This preference is because they excavate maternity dens within this deep snow, relying on the snow mass for insulation, protection, and structural integrity to keep their kits secure until they are ready to emerge from the denning period.
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