Some time ago we reviewed the life of a wolverine and from information available then we said, “The wolverine is a wicked destroyer.” We also called it “a bad-tempered beast.” But since that time, scientists have studied this animal more thoroughly. Now many agree that, although it can be vicious and frightening, it does have some good qualities too. So we’ll look at some of these now.
A member of the weasel family, this dark-brown lively animal is about three-feet long, plus an eight-inch tail. It looks something like a miniature bear, except for its bushy fur and pointed face. Its North American homeland is in many of the wooded areas on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, as well as Alaska.
Until a more complete study was made, it had the reputation of being a vicious killer of small and medium-sized animals and birds. But in their interesting research, it was discovered that this is not true unless the wolverine is extremely hungry. It should actually be called a scavenger, which is an animal whose main food is animals or birds already dead or injured.
Following that discovery, it was pointed out by the researchers that it is really a very helpful animal, by clearing forests and fields of dead creatures (much like what crows and vultures do). To really appreciate this we need to bear in mind that a dead fox, squirrel, coyote, or even a small bird, soon decays. These carcasses attract flies and insects that can carry harmful bacteria and diseases to many places, causing sickness and death to other animals, birds and even people.
But there’s no denying that a hungry wolverine, finding a way to break into a trapper’s unoccupied cabin, will gobble up any food it can reach. That, of course, doesn’t make them very popular with the trappers, nor does their making a meal out of animals caught in traps and ruining the valuable furs. So it’s easy to see how these lively animals have gotten a bad reputation.
We might ask, “Will the Creator allow this to go on forever?” The Bible provides the answer, telling us “by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin.” Romans 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12). But there is a time coming when those who have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour will find that “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death.” Revelation 21:44And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4). This promise is only to those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Are you included?
ML-03/06/1994