The Endangered Species Committee
The “God Squad” met recently. What happened and what does it mean?
Flooding in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has been hit hard by at least two atmospheric rivers in the last week, with parts of Western Washington receiving 18 inches of rain within days. Towns are completely flooded, hundreds of thousands have lost power, roads have collapsed, and one...
Alaska’s Recent Floods
Flooding from recent typhoons have devastated communities in Western Alaska and the Philippines alike. How did this happen and how can you help?
The Perils of Artificial Intelligence
It’s hard to avoid seeing any sort of AI-generated content if you’re online at all these days; from ChatGPT helping people write emails to AI-generated images to whole videos being generated. Until recently, there were many tells you could rely on to see what content...
Save Our Public Lands
July 1st, 2025 update: The addition to the "Big Beautiful Bill" that would sell off millions of acres of public land has officially been withdrawn from the bill! While this is a temporary reprieve and a win, there are still many other threats to our public lands,...
Save Animals As Natural Therapy
Animals as Natural Therapy serves thousands of people every year in Whatcom County and they’re at risk of closure. Help today.
Deep Sea Mining
When you think of batteries, you might not immediately think of the bottom of the ocean floor. But in the dark depths of the ocean and in the midst of species that have yet to even be identified, there are these potato-shaped deposits called polymetallic nodules that...
The Endangered Species Act Is In Danger
With Earth Day just a few days away, it is, to put it mildly, unfortunate that the Endangered Species Act of 1973 is currently under threat from political battles and partisan ideologies. The act is a critical piece of legislation that establishes regulations and...
Behind the Breed: Lancashire Heeler
As the newest recognized AKC breed, the Lancashire Heeler might be one of the lesser-known dog breeds. These small dogs might not stand tall but they still have an incredible spirit! Originating from England (Lancashire County unsurprisingly!), Lancashire heelers have...
A new Southern Resident Killer Whale calf has been spotted!
Update 1/4/24 Unfortunately, there has been a rather sad update for J61, as the Center for Whale Research recently confirmed that she has not survived. This is devastating news for many reasons, largely because this is Tahlequah's second calf not to survive and she...
Celebrating Black Cats
There are many myths and superstitions around black cats. How well do you really know these cats?
Vote NO on Washington’s I-2117
The 2024 election has been on everyone’s radar for quite some time, with the presidential race obviously getting a primary focus. But the presidential election isn’t the only election/issue worth focusing on, as local and state issues highly influence an individual’s...
Cease Fire Now! The War On Gaza Needs To End
The ongoing genocide in Gaza and Palestine is a humanitarian and environmental crisis of the utmost importance, one that could define a generation. Since October 2023, there have been tens of thousands of official deaths and many, many more that are likely not counted...
Mushrooms and Fungi in the Pacific Northwest
From the iconic classic toadstool to the bright color of the violet webcap, there are many different types of mushrooms and fungi in the Pacific Northwest. Many types of fungi are mycorrhizal and have a symbiotic relationship with a plant; other types have been known...
The Edison Bird Festival
Visiting Edison, Washington is always a reminder of what life can be like as a slow, artistic community. The “downtown” part encompasses about three blocks these days, with significantly more art galleries and studios than actual intersections. In addition to...
Behind the Breed: Bengal Cats
Bengal cats are one of the most interesting domestic cats, as they’re one of the few wild and domestic cat hybrids in the United States that can be house pets. Compared to other domestic cat breeds, Bengals are still relatively new and because of their hybrid status,...
An Increase in Flooding in the Pacific Northwest: How Has This Happened?
Flooding in the Pacific Northwest seems to have gotten worse over the last couple of decades, which unfortunately makes sense given the increase in climate change impacts, the increase in urban development, and the region’s numerous and intricate waterways. Different...
A New Climate Anthem From An Unlikey Trio
Yo-Yo Ma releasing a single with a drag queen and an indigenous artist about the melting of an Alaska glacier was definitely not something I had on my 2023 bingo card. But along with indigenous and trans musician Quinn Christopherson, the cellist collaborated with...
Behind the Breed: Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is a rare small terrier breed with origins in Wales as a working dog that hunted rats, otters, foxes, and badgers. Today, Sealyhams are rare but at one point, they were popular and adaptable terriers that had fans in the British Monarchy and...
How To Make A Difference
With everything going on right now, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, sad, defeated, and so much more, even if you aren’t directly affected by the tragedies and atrocities currently happening. But everyone can still do something to make this world a...
Orca Recovery Day 2023
Orca Recovery Day is Saturday, October 14th, 2023!
Fat Bear Week 2023
Fat Bear Week is officially here! Starting today, October 4th, 2023, you can vote for your favorite fat bear in this single-elimination tournament of 12 bears. This is the 9th year of the competition, with the first being a one-day contest in 2014: Fat Bear Tuesday....
Pet First Aid Kits
Having a pet first aid kit could be incredibly helpful during stressful situations. But what’s in one?
Behind the Breed: Jindos
The Jindo is a relatively rare spitz breed with a long history in South Korea and wonderful but often stubborn temperament. These dogs typically stand 17-25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 30-50 pounds when full grown, making them medium sized dogs. They have a...
What Is Wildlife Conservation And Why Is It Important?
Wildlife conservation is a vital field that works to protect flora and fauna species and their habitats around the world from climate change effects and human encroachment. The last 200 years has seen a drastic rise in the human population, in addition to the...
The Oceans and Seas of the World
Up until recently, most countries and organizations only recognized four ocean basins. While there is really only one global ocean that covers 71% of the earth, there are now five distinct regions and the boundaries between them have changed over human history....
Behind the Breed: Xoloitzuintli
Xolos are some of the most unique looking dogs and one of the oldest breeds in the Americas.
Speak For The Trees.
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most magical forests and trees, like the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia. These forests are absolutely vital for our region and for the survival of many species. But thanks to logging, wildfires, and development,...
Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, Maui, Canada, and the Mojave Desert
Last years past, this summer has been plagued by wildfires across North America.
Behind the Breed: Cane Corso
The Cane Corso initially seems very intimidating but these dogs are actually very sweet and loyal!
Housing is an Animal Welfare Issue
Housing is an animal welfare issue, as finding affordable and pet friendly housing is incredibly difficult and can cause owners to surrender their beloved pets.
Behind the Breed: American Eskimo Dogs
American Eskimo Dogs are goofy and fun dogs that seem to embody the phrase “tiny but mighty”.
Pronghorn of the Pacific Northwest
Pronghorn antelope can be found in the prairies and grasslands of North America, with small populations existing in the Pacific Northwest.
The Shrub-Steppe and Sagelands of the Pacific Northwest
Eastern Washington and Oregon might seem dull and barren but these areas are ecologically diverse and beautiful in their own right.
Celebrating the Fourth of July With Your Pets.
Fourth of July is coming up… Are you and your pets prepared?
Bunny Behavior: Learn to Speak Rabbit!
What Does The Rabbit Say?
Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires: Campfire Safety
“Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires.” This iconic slogan has been a part of Smokey The Bear’s campaign for decades now. With more than 80% of wildfires in the United States started by humane carelessness, this long-running public service campaign is more important than...
Behind the Breed: Belgian Malinois
As one of the four Belgian herding breeds, the Belgian Malinois is a large breed with an energetic and sometimes intense personality. They were named after the city of Malines, where they were initially developed, and have been around since the 19th century. It wasn’t...
Happy Pride Month!
Happy Pride! For the last several decades, June and early July have been a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a protest for our rights. Animals of the Pacific Northwest is focused on pet care, wildlife conservation, and environmental justice so why does Pride...
Puffins of the Pacific Northwest
Puffins are an easily recognizable species and because of their iconic looks, are often called parrots of the sea or even sea clowns. These birds live their entire lives near or on the sea in the Northern Hemisphere. Technically speaking, there are four species:...
Enjoying The Great Outdoors
It is finally summer here in the Pacific Northwest (more or less!), which means nice weather and plenty of chances to enjoy the nature all around us. The Pacific Northwest is blessed with a range of different environments; there are lakes, rivers, forests, sagelands,...
The Oregon Spotted Frog
In addition to all the other animals that call the Pacific Northwest home, there are several species of frogs that also live in the region! One such species is the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa), which is found in different areas of the northwest. They can be...
Beating the Heat: Taking Care of Pets During Warm Weather
Global warming and climate change play a huge role in the rising temperatures here in the Northwest and around the world. Summers seem to be getting longer and hotter all across the world and these rising temperatures are impacting people, animals of all kinds, and...
Bird is the Word: Effects of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu, also known as HPAI and avian/bird flu, has unfortunately been a large-scale issue across the Pacific Northwest and North America over the last year and a half. This flu strain (H5N1) impacts wild birds like California Condors and...
Behind the Breed: Designer/Hybrid Breeds
Designer breeds like Goldendoodles and Pomskys have become very popular over the last few years. But at what cost?