The Wolverine has been an important source of pelts for the fur industry, but their skins are no longer used widely in commerce. The fur is especially valued as lining by persons living in the Arctic, due to its frost resistant properties. Wolverines are often considered pests, suspected of killing livestock. Many are shot due to their habit of preying upon animals that are already trapped for fur. Gulo gulo has been extensively hunted in Scandinavia because of its alleged predation on domestic reindeer. It has been considered a nuisance throughout its range because it will break into cabins and food caches, eating and spraying the contents with its strong scent.
The Wolverine ranges from northern Europe and Siberia through northern North America. Their distribution once extended as far south as Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and perhaps Michigan. Wolverines inhabit boreal forests, mountains or open plains and brushlands.
Wolverine numbers have declined due to both fur trapping and hunting by those believing the wolverine to be a nuisance. Wolverines occur at relatively low population densities and have vanished from most of their former range in the United States and have disappeared over most of southeastern and south-central Canada. In Scandinavia, the estimates vary from one individual per 200-500 sq km. In Europe, they can only be found in parts of Scandinavia and the northern Soviet Union.
Gulo gulo is considered as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.