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 seasons, and some animals and plant life live in this area year round.
Native Animals
Many species of animals have evolved alongside the various ecosystems in Alaska. Some are specific to Alaska alone and cannot be found anywhere else. The animals and plants of this region often mirror the beauty seen in the landscapes and along the coastal regions. The flora and fauna only amplify the magic we experience within Alaska’s grandeur.
Glacier Bear
Ursus americanus emmonsii
The Tlinglit people called this bear as ‘the bear that disappears’ with the name ‘sik noon.’ (Animalia) The characteristics that identify this bear are the nuances in their appearance. They have a silver-blue to gray appearance to their fur.
The designation of this subspecies is currently marked by the appearance of their hair alone. This could be due to them dwelling in caverns and caves near the base of mountains that meet up with glaciers. Navigating nearby forested areas for food sources, they can be spotted from the air and sometimes you may see them traversing glacier ice near the lateral moraine areas.
Alaska Marmot
Marmota broweri
The Inupiat people called these ground rodents ‘siksrikpak’. This is the name for a common ground squirrel of Alaska. There are three different species of marmot in Alaska. Sightings of these rodents are typically in rocky meadow areas of alpine regions. And you can often hear their high pitch whistling before you see them.
They are densely furred with color variations ranging from deep browns to charcoal tones with greys mixed in; these colors are their camouflage from predators. These woodchucks of Alaska love to bask in the sun on rocks and gorge on nearby berries, twigs, lichen, roots, and flowering plants. They can weigh over 10 lbs. and reach over two ft. in height. You can find them in their den dwellings when they are not out hunting and gathering.
Lynx
Lynx Canadensis
In Alaska, lynx are found across most of the forested areas. They do prefer to be in areas where naturally occurring disturbances happen, which offers them a better food source and habitat for them. Lynx rely on small prey for their diet, so a well balanced eco-system is essential for them to thrive. Typically, wherever you see snowshoe hare, you can expect there to be lynx, so predominantly in the northern forested regions.
This short-haired cat is similar to a bob cat and considered a ‘large cat’. Lynx are characterized by the tufts of hair on their ears, long legs, furry feet, and black-tipped tail (ADFG). The markings on their fur can vary between gradients of browns and swatches of grays and blacks. They typically weigh about 40 lbs (18.2 kg), with males typically being larger than females.
Native Plants
Many native plants in Alaska are considered medicinal and have been used by indigenous people people for thousands of years. Much of the knowledge that we have today comes from the hard work and relations between these people and the environment.
Fireweed
Chamerion angustifolium
You can encounter fireweed from the coastal regions and to the way up the alpine regions. The name of this plant is quite fitting as it typically is the first species to reemerge and start to balance the soil after a forest fire. You can find them growing in other areas with disturbed soil, like open fields, alongside running water sources, and on the edge of the forested regions.
This plant is quite resilient and hardy and it has a brilliant bloom season that can fill whole fields and offer another layer of beauty to the landscape. As they grow through the season, they typically range in height from 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters), or if given the right space, some can reach 9 feet tall (3 meters). The bloom colors can range from a light pink to a dark fuchsia. These spear-shaped blooms have long narrow leaves. The saying in Alaska is that the summer is over once the fireweed has bloomed and their tufted and silky seed pods appear.
Red Huckleberry
Vaccinium parvifolium
Huckleberry can typically be found growing in elevation areas and alongside forested areas. This small shrub grows to be about 3 ft. in height (1 meter) and is characterized by angled branches and small round leaves. The leaf shape is similar to that of its relative, the wild blueberry. This plant is related to both the blueberry and cranberry.
The difference between this berry and its relatives is the smaller branching and leaf shapes. This shrub blooms with clusters of white bell-shaped flowers that produce a very fragrant floral smell. Mid-summer to early fall, these plants produce some of the smallest and sweetest berries, which can be bright red to dark purple, depending on how ripe they are.
Northern Yarrow
Achilliea Borealis
This plant is considered an herb and quite hearty. Northern yarrow can grow to approximately 3 feet tall (1 meter). This flora can be recognized by its soft fern-like leaves and white cluster flowers during the summer bloom season. Sometimes, the blooms have hues of pink and magenta. Yarrow can also be known for its floral yet herbal smell, somewhat similar to chamomile.
You will likely find northern yarrow along trails, at the edge of forests, in meadows, and most regions of Alaska. Yarrow helps to reduce erosion and improve soil health and has medicinal qualities. Tribes native to the area used this plant in various applications for medical care. Yarrow is quite common and flowers predominantly from mid-summer to early fall.
Abundant Alaska
As we learn more about Alaska and the beauty that inhabits this space, we have the chance to show respect to the area, the animals, and all those who have stewarded this land. Much of our knowledge and connection to this area is from thousands of years of resiliency of native peoples, animals, and plants through many changes. Take the time to connect and experience the beauty this area has to offer. And take notice of the importance of balance between these thriving ecosystems and the species that live within them.
