The wolverine is active year-round. It does not hibernate, but its annual cycle has certain recurring patterns in different seasons. The birth of cubs and the mid-summer mating period are some of the major annual milestones that influence the wolverine’s movement and behavior.
You can explore information about the wolverine’s activity in different months and seasons in its annual calendar. This information will hopefully help you choose the best time to visit. The likelihood of spotting a wolverine is higher during the summer season due to the longer daylight hours. During the winter season, it is recommended to book several days for a photography or observation hide visit.
JANUARY
- Snow and frost -
In January, wolverines move mostly at dusk and at night, as the dark brown animal stands out well against the white background. You can see wolverine tracks and trails in the snow. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines during the day is rather low, but possible. Observation and photographing activities according to the winter season schedule.
In January, wolverines move mostly at dusk and at night, as the dark brown animal stands out well against the white background. On the other hand, even severe frost does not deter this tenacious marten and can carry the big-footed traveller well. You can see wolverine tracks and trails in the snow. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines during the day is rather low, but possible. Observation and photographing activities according to the winter season schedule.
FEBRUARY
- It's freezing cold, but the light is increasing -
The amount of daylight increases, but bitterly cold days are still typical. Wolverine kits are born in February-March and the mothers' mobility decreases. Movement is still relatively low and is concentrated in the evening and night. The increasing light already allows for slightly longer tracking times, but due to the twilight-oriented mobility, it is recommended to reserve several days for photographing.
The amount of daylight increases, but bitterly cold days are still typical. There is usually a lot of snow. Wolverine kits are born in February-March and the mothers' mobility decreases. In general, movement is still relatively low and is concentrated in the evening and night. The increasing light already allows for slightly longer tracking times, but due to the twilight-oriented mobility, it is recommended to reserve several days for photographing.
MARCH
- Spring is in the air -
March is the peak time for winter photographing. Mother wolverines are still nursing their kits and don't move very far from the nest area, but males and females without kits are enjoying the spring. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is starting to be good. In addition to daytime photographing, it is possible to spend the night in a hide.
March is the peak time for winter photographing. Mother wolverines are still nursing their kits and don't move very far from the nest area, but males and females without kits are enjoying the spring and, with the increasing daylight, are more visible during the day. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is starting to be good. In addition to daytime photographing, it is possible to spend the night in a hide.
APRIL
- Snow melts and nature awakens -
In April, the snow usually melts quickly, but it can still be quite cold in the mornings. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is good due to the increasing daylight. In April, we switch to summer schedules, meaning that we go to the hides during the day and spend the night at the hide. If separately agreed, it is possible to extend the stay at the hide during the day.
In April, the snow usually melts quickly, but it can still be quite cold in the mornings. Sometimes there is a lot of meltwaters, sometimes there is heavy snowfall. The thick-furred wolverine is not alarmed by the change in weather. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is good due to the increasing daylight. In April, we switch to summer schedules, meaning that we go to the hides during the day and spend the night at the hide. If separately agreed, it is possible to extend the stay at the hide during the day.
MAY
- The most intense time of spring -
In May, nature gets into full swing. The approaching rutting season makes both males and females nervous. The mother wolverine may bring her kits into view if there are no other predators nearby. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is very good. There is enough light until late in the evening and the sun rises early. We move to the hides during the day and spend the night in the hide. The morning can be extended a little longer than usual by separate arrangement.
In May, nature gets into full swing. So does the wolverine. The approaching rutting season makes both males and females nervous. The mother wolverine, who gave birth to kits in the spring-winter, is still cautious in her movements, but may bring her kits into view if there are no other predators nearby. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is very good. There is enough light until late in the evening and the sun rises early. We move to the hides during the day and spend the night in the hide. The morning can be extended a little longer than usual by separate arrangement.
JUNE
- Nature at its most beautiful -
June is the time when nature is at its most beautiful. When the sun rises, the mist can briefly envelop the green blooming summer landscape and the tufted wool creates its own atmosphere. Wolverine mothers are busy searching for food for their offspring. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. There is light almost around the clock. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
June is the time when nature is at its most beautiful. When the sun rises, the mist can briefly envelop the green blooming summer landscape and the tufted wool creates its own atmosphere. Wolverine mothers are busy searching for food for their offspring. By timing the interval between the mother's appearances, you can often determine the distance of the kits from the hides. Eventually, the kits may even appear.
The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. There is light almost around the clock. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
JULY
- Warm days and nights-
In July, the probability of seeing kits with a wolverine mother increases even more. The kits still follow their mother closely, but are still curious about the surrounding nature. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. Towards the end of the month, the nights start to get darker. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
In July, the probability of seeing kits with a wolverine mother increases even more. The kits still follow their mother closely, but are still curious about the surrounding nature. Even small mistakes are not always avoided. Other wolverines are also very mobile. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. There is still enough light almost around the clock. Towards the end of the month, the nights start to get darker. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
AUGUST
- Misty mornings following the August moonlight -
In August, the nights get longer and the first signs of autumn can appear towards the end of the month. Wolverines are active both during the day and at night. The kits are no longer so attached to their mother. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
In August, the nights get longer and the first signs of autumn can appear towards the end of the month. Sometimes in August it is very warm, and even wolverines may take a dip in the water to cool off and pant as they walk. Wolverines are active both during the day and at night. The kits are no longer so attached to their mother. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is excellent. We move to the hides in the afternoon and stay until the next morning.
SEPTEMBER
- Golden light tinted by autumn -
In September, autumn is clearly visible in Lieksa. On the other hand, the days can still be very warm, but the daylight hours are clearly shorter. The wolverine kits have already taken a step towards a more independent life, but they can still be seen playing together. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is very good. We move to the hides during the day and stay until the next morning.
In September, autumn is clearly visible in Lieksa. On the other hand, the days can still be very warm, but the daylight hours are clearly shorter. The sun shining from low above creates beautiful shades of colour on the wolverine cooling off in the autumn terrain. The wolverine kits have already taken a step towards a more independent life, but they can still be seen playing together. You may even see a wolverine basking on a rock or in a field, simply enjoying the rays of the autumn sun. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is very good. We move to the hides during the day and stay until the next morning.
OCTOBER
- Light decreases and winter approaches -
The grayness of October leads nature towards winter. Wolverines move around in search of food even during the day. The probability of observing and photographing wolverines is fairly good. The decreasing light shortens the observation time. We are moving smoothly into the so-called winter season, i.e. viewing and photographing activities from dawn to sunset or overnight if agreed.
The grayness of October leads nature towards winter. Wolverines move around in search of food even during the day. As a rule, wolverines move alone at this time, although kits can still follow their mother. The probability of observing and photographing wolverines is fairly good. The decreasing light shortens the observation time. We are moving smoothly into the so-called winter season, i.e. viewing and photographing activities from dawn to sunset or overnight if agreed.
NOVEMBER
- First snow and ice cover -
The first snow arrives in Lieksa in November at the latest. The wolverine mother brings the summer’s kits further to the outskirts of her territory so that they can learn the ways of an independent wolverine and find their own territory. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is reasonable. Photographing and observing from morning to sunset, or overnight if agreed.
The first snow arrives in Lieksa in November at the latest. The new layer of snow fascinates the wolverine, which curiously examines its environment that is changing for winter. It digs in the snow and may even roll over on its back once or twice. The wolverine mother brings the summer’s kits further to the outskirts of her territory so that they can learn the ways of an independent wolverine and find their own territory. The probability of seeing and photographing a wolverine is reasonable. The greyness and decreasing daylight make effective observing and photographing difficult. Photographing and observing from
morning to sunset, or overnight if agreed.
DECEMBER
- The darkest time of the year -
In December, nature retreats to spend the core winter. Wolverines' movement decreases or at least focuses more on the twilight and dark periods. The short daylight hours inevitably affect the possibilities of observation. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is possible, but not very good. The daylight hours (approx. 4-5 hours) are spent in the hides, i.e. from dawn to sunset.
In December, nature retreats to spend the core winter. Wolverines' movement decreases or at least focuses more on the twilight and dark periods. They still search for food and can be seen moving during the day, but the short daylight hours inevitably affect the possibilities of observation. The probability of seeing and photographing wolverines is possible, but not very good. The daylight hours (approx. 4-5 hours) are spent in the hides, i.e. from dawn to sunset.
