The Wolverine State has lost its only known wild wolverine.

The body of the 28-pound female was found Saturday along a trail in Michigan's Thumb. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is investigating the cause of death.

The fierce hunters found mainly in northern woods and tundra gave their nickname to the state and to the University of Michigan's sports teams. There were no known sightings in the wild from the early 1800s until 2004.

That year, coyote hunters spotted a wolverine near Ubly, about 90 miles north of Detroit. Naturalists have followed it since then.

The Bay City Times and the Detroit Free Press say hikers found the body in the Minden City State Game Area, about seven miles southwest of Minden.