Researchers are working on a plan to study wolverines in four Rocky Mountain states to see if the animals can be reintroduced to some regions to increase the populations and see how they might travel between mountain ranges.

A researcher for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Washington state are working together because there are so few wolverines and they are spread across a wide area.

The animals look like small bears with big claws.

The Great Falls Tribune reports the study will begin next winter, using trail cameras and DNA to identify the animals.

The animals are rarely seen by humans and roam in deep snow and steep terrain. There are now up to 300 in the four states.

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