Why is Michigan the wolverine state?
There are different theories about why Michigan was nicknamed “The Wolverine State.” Many people thought wolverines roamed through Michigan, but that has been proven false. It’s more likely that Michigan acquired the nickname by being compared to the gluttonous, vicious wolverine. During a dispute in 1835 between Michigan and Ohio over the piece of land bordering both states, people from Ohio reportedly described Michiganders as being as vicious as wolverines. Another story reports that Native Americans gave Michigan the nickname in the 1830s because Michiganians were going after land the way blood-thirsty wolverines went after food. Whatever the reason, the University of Michigan adopted the wolverine as their mascot and Michigan residents proudly embraced the nickname of “The Wolverine State.
