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....

Wildlife in the Winter

Winter is a cold, dark season in the Northern Hemisphere. How do wild animals survive during this time of year?

Mountain Lions of North America

Also known as pumas, mountain lions, and catamounts, cougars are adaptable predators and the world’s fourth largest wildcat following lions, tigers, and jaguars. Cougars are relatively solitary animals but despite living mostly alone, these cats still have complex...

Climate Change’s Impact on Natural Disasters, Ecosystems, and Wildlife.

All around the world, the impacts of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, even here in the Pacific Northwest and the surrounding areas. The rising sea temperatures are essentially cooking some salmon in the Salish Sea before they can reproduce; high...

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...

Washington’s Proposed Temporary Ban On Whale Watching Tours.

The population of the resident Salish Sea orcas has been a big concern for many around the Pacific Northwest the last several years. These animals are an iconic and vital part of the Salish Sea but their numbers have been dwindling over the decades. Currently, only 74...

Keeping the Wild In the Wilderness

One of the most amazing parts of the Pacific Northwest, as least in my opinion, is being surrounded by wilderness and forests. Going out into nature is relatively possible all around the region, even in major cities like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver! Sometimes,...

Visiting one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders: The Painted Hills and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Oregon’s Painted Hills are an amazing part of the state and can be found in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon. Services are currently limited but you can visit trails and picnic areas within the monument with your dog or loved ones today!

Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest

One of the reasons I wanted to start this project was to learn about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. We share this region with a plethora of wild animals, animals that rely on the same ecosystem we do and are significantly affected by human action and...

How To Become A Zookeeper

There are many different ways to have a career working with animals. One such way? Becoming a zookeeper! Keeping wild animals in zoos has a long and controversial history (and the dehumanizing and incredibly racist trend of keeping people in zoos around the turn of...
Mushrooms and Fungi in the Pacific Northwest

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...

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The Edison Bird Festival

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...

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Behind the Breed: Bengal Cats

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,...

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A New Climate Anthem From An Unlikey Trio

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...

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Behind the Breed: Sealyham Terrier

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...

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How To Make A Difference

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...

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Fat Bear Week 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....

read more
Behind the Breed: Jindos

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...

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The Oceans and Seas of the World

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....

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Speak For The Trees.

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,...

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