The Surprising Connection Between Wolverines and Electric Vehicles

Apr 20

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Columbia Gorge Climate Action Network:

By Susan Hess

Hood River, Ore., April 20, 2026 — Columbia Gorge Climate Action Network (CGCAN) and Gorge Clean Energy Coalition are hosting a free event highlighting the connection between wolverines and electric vehicles on May 2 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Rockford Grange, 4262 Barrett Drive, Hood River.

Jocelyn Akins, Executive Director of the Cascades Carnivore Project, will talk about her work with the alpine carnivores: wolverines, Cascade red foxes, and lynx. After her talk, electric vehicle (EV) experts and local EV owners will present information about electric vehicles.

An unexpected link connects electric vehicles with the wolverine, foxes and lynx.

These charismatic animals thrive in deep snow environments. The deep snow provides them shelter, where they can store food and make secure dens.

But the same adaptations that make them so effective at thriving in deep snow, reports Defenders of Wildlife, make them vulnerable to the loss of snowpack that we’re already observing from man-made climate change.

The Cascade Carnivore Project team studies and works to both restore these animals, which are at risk of extinction, and the mountain ecosystems they need.

This is where electric vehicles (EVs) enter the picture.

Transportation is Oregon’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for roughly 35% of the state’s total climate pollution. Most of it comes from burning fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel) in cars, trucks, and freight vehicles. Transportation is also the leading cause of climate pollution in Washington state, accounting for nearly 40% to 45% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

If you’ve been thinking of getting or replacing your car at some time, local EV owners will be at the event with their electric cars and trucks to answer your questions. They’ll bring information on EVs and sources. For example, there are 300,000 low-mileage EVs coming off lease in the U.S., which is bringing prices into affordable ranges.

“If you want to save lots of money, save wolverines and Cascades red foxes, and save our ski seasons,” says presenter Eric Strid, “you should drive an electric vehicle.”

The Gorge Clean Energy Coalition is a coalition of three primarily volunteer organizations: the Columbia Gorge Climate Action Network, the Hood River County Energy Council, and Electrify Oregon. The mission of the Gorge Clean Energy Coalition is to maximally accelerate the benefits of the clean-energy transition in the Columbia Gorge, addressing vehicles and buildings, both residential and commercial.