In June of 2009 a radio collared Wolverine labeled M56 became the first known wolverine in the state of Colorado since 1919. Using the collars transmissions the study followed him from Grand Teton National Park across the Colorado border. Once he entered Colorado he hardly was content to settle down, and it was suspected that he followed the Rocky Mountains South where a transmitter could not pick him up. But soon he was back North with his signal being picked up around Mount Evans. Scientists speculate that he maybe staking out his own territory in Colorado and searching for a female. While it is possible that an unmarked female has moved into the state much the same way that M56 has, it is not a certainty by any means. This presents a problem, and that is with no available mate in the entire state M56 may soon decide to leave in search of one. This is why I personally think that the proposal to reintroduce wolverine’s needs to pass and pass quickly because they should try to keep the natural wolverine in the state and therefore start its own population. It is also crucial to do this because according to scientist Jodi Hoyt, of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Colorado has 20% of the suitable wolverine habitat in the USA. So by giving an already established wolverine a mate and also bringing a few new wolverines Colorado very quickly could become a stronghold for the species. M56 has certainly sparked the reintroduction proposal and debate in Colorado, and has a major objector in the way of Colorado’s ski industry. The ski industry which over the last few years has had to deal with restrictions and new rules because of the states successful reintroduction of the Canadian Lynx, does not want to deal with potentially more restrictions that would come with Wolverines. Restrictions could become strict if a reintroduction occurs and the Wolverine gets listed under the Endangered Species Act, a proposal that is also being considered heavily to try and maintain a good population in the lower 48 states. While the ski industry is a huge income for the state it should not trump the reintroduction of an important species into what is some of its last prime habitat, a habitat that is shrinking because the lack of long lasting deep snowpack in other areas of the country. Wolverines should be reintroduced, if for nothing else but to keep the one we have in the state.