Polar Bears Ursus maritimus Formally Known as Thalarctos martimus Alaska is known for the varied and dense populations of bears in their natural habitats. If you head Far North, you may be able to see one of the closest relatives to the well-known large brown bear species, the polar bear. The polar bear is often recognized for its gigantic size, white fur coat, ability to adapt to hostile environments, and top-trophic-level [...]
Katmai National Park: Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes In 1912, in the southeastern region of Alaska, the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century took place. This event, considered the 5th largest eruption in the world on record, was cataclysmic. Before the event, this area, a river valley native peoples used as a passage point, was a watershed region for a few small fishing communities. The volcano was named [...]
Lynx and Arctic Fox of Alaska Expansive terrain and an abundance of natural resources offer the space and environment necessary for more specialized species to thrive. The Arctic Fox and Lynx are two species that resemble the animals we see and observe in the lower region of the northern continent. These species are both specialized and adapted to the arctic regions of Alaska and Canada. [...]
Alaska's New Whale Species In the summer of 2023, a team of researchers set out to create high-resolution mapping of the deep sea floor near the Aleutian Islands. These scientists partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to make this possible. These scientists have traveled thousands of feet deep into this coastal region using high-tech equipment and measuring instruments. In their exploration, it seems a new species [...]
Alaskan Arctic Water Marine Biology Seven different bay regions exist in Alaska. These regions have five different Alaska marine biology ecosystems classified within them: Gulf of Alaska, Eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Beaufort Sea, and Chukchi Sea. (NOAA) Bay areas and coastal regions provide ideal ecosystems and habitats for global marine food chains to stabilize, grow, and thrive. Ocean biomes, characterized by their abundance of food sources and diversity, [...]
Owls in Alaska Alaska has abundant food sources and untouched wilderness areas for many apex predators. And even with consideration to large birds of prey like the eagle and hawk, owls are some of the most skilled hunters to navigate these wilds. Because of their elusive nature, it takes a focused and patient observer to learn more about them. Some of us have experienced the reaction we feel when [...]
Indigenous Flora and Fauna of Alaska In Alaska, flora and fauna are abundant. And there are a handful of reasons for that; this region is a paramount migration point for many species to find an ample supply of food sources, negate predators or inhospitable conditions, give birth, and to raise their young. Some species visit for a short time, others migrate to the region for multiple [...]
Elemental Opposites Alaska is home to not only the most glaciers in the Northern continent, it is also known for it's density of volcanoes. There are 54 that are considered 'active', meaning they have erupted within the last 300 years. With non-active (dormant) volcanoes, there are over 130 in Alaska. Some of them are even active today and many of these volcanoes have been etched by glacier moving across [...]
Alaska is referred to by many names and titles. Originally translated from the Aleut word “aleyska,” meaning “great land.” Others have referred to it as a land of abundance, "The Last Frontier", or the "North to the Future". This bountiful and majestic land has histories of unsettled wild, famous trading routes and mapping, and echoes of the iconic Gold Rush. The experiences and life that cycle in Alaska offers a [...]
Once August comes around in Alaska folks start to notice that the nights become increasing longer and welcome back the sights and awe of the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights shine during all the seasons, and due to the long summertime hours and midnight sun, you can best observe them from August till April in Alaska. These lights put on magnificent displays of greens, pinks, violets, and whites that dance [...]
