Bird Watching.

While it may sound a bit boring for those don't know much about it, birding and bird watching is actually a popular pastime for millions of people around the world. There are thousands of clubs and societies dedicated to bird watching and numerous blogs and social...

Fishers of the Pacific Northwest

These elusive, forest-dwelling animals are agile and swift climbers. Fishers look similar to their relatives, the weasels and Pacific martens, but are much larger in size and have a darker coat. These carnivores are roughly the size of a house cat and weigh 4.4-13...

Rainforests of Washington.

When you say 'rainforests', most folks might think of tropical rainforests like the Amazon Rainforest (also known as Amazonia) in South America. However, rainforests can actually be found all around the world, as defining characteristics of these forests include tall...

Wildlife Conservation Day.

This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. Today is Wildlife Conservation Day! Wild animals all over the world are facing threats from climate change, urban development, plastic/trash, and more. Giraffes all over...

How To Become An Animal Control Officer

Life has an animal control officer can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. But it’s also difficult, both emotionally and physically. Are you interested in the field?

Selfies with tigers, holding koalas, and riding elephants: How wildlife tourism can harm animals

How is our search for a unique experience harming the very animals we claim to love?

Dealing with injured, sick, or abandoned wildlife

There are many stories of people interacting with wildlife in a disastrous way. There are stories of injuries or even death involved in people taking selfies with animals; for example, an endangered dolphin died after a crowd of people held it on a beach to take...

Bats of the Pacific Northwest

Washington and Oregon are home to 15 different bat species and while these mammals are the primary carriers of rabies in the area, bats are an important part of an ecosystem and are vital pollinators too! These animals are the only flying mammals and like some other...

The Coastal Wolves of British Columbia

Along the coast of British Columbia, there are two unique wolf populations but the more interesting of the two is the coastal wolf. The coastal wolves are gray wolves that are found on mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island and have been known to feed on fish...

Women to Know on International Women’s Day [Update].

Today is International Women’s Day, a day in which to celebrate women all around the world while also focusing on the many issues that women face on a regular basis. There have been so many women who have studied, worked with, and helped animals and the environment...
Happy Pride Month!

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...

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Puffins of the Pacific Northwest

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 and technically speaking, there are four species:...

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Enjoying The Great Outdoors

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,...

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The Oregon Spotted Frog

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...

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Behind the Breed: Designer/Hybrid Breeds

Behind the Breed: Designer/Hybrid Breeds

“Behind the Breed” has been a regular series here at Animals of the Pacific Northwest for more than four years and has covered more than a few dog, cat, rabbit, chicken, and horse breeds. In fact, more than 80 different dog breeds have been discussed! During this time...

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Mountain Lions of North America

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...

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Behind the Breed: Brittany Dogs

Behind the Breed: Brittany Dogs

This medium-sized sporting breed has a dense white and orange coat, a high energy level, and a friendly attitude. Brittanys were developed to be hunting companions and gundogs, making them great companions for active homes that love being busy and can include their...

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Earth Day 2023

Earth Day 2023

Today is the 53rd annual Earth Day, a day when more than a billion people come together to celebrate the earth, It is easy to get overwhelmed and pessimistic about the current state of climate change and the world. The Willow Project is being backed by the Biden...

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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be a familiar term to some, especially to those who care about oceans and marine life. For those who don’t know, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a term that refers to a collection of marine debris, particularly plastic, in the...

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Behind the Breed: Pit Bulls

Behind the Breed: Pit Bulls

This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. For decades, pit bulls have had a bad reputation. They're seen as fighting dogs that are inherently aggressive and are more likely to bite, notions that are based on the...

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Tokitae The Orca Is Coming Home!

Tokitae The Orca Is Coming Home!

On March 30th, 2023, The Dolphin Company, the parent company of the Miami Seaquarium, announced that Tokitae, also known as Lolita and Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, will be headed back home where she belongs! This decision comes after years of calls for Tokitae to be released...

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Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds

Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds

Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds are two separate but extremely similar breeds and as evident from their names, these dogs originated in Finland, Sweden, and northern Scandinavia. The name ‘Lapphund’ comes from Lapland, a region in the Arctic Circle and the northernmost...

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How To Become An Animal Control Officer

How To Become An Animal Control Officer

When you think of an animal control officer, you might think of one of the many reality television series that follow animal control officers around. Animal Cops from Animal Planet and Discovery has several spin-offs in many cities around the United States; Animal PD...

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Behind the Breed: Borzois

Behind the Breed: Borzois

Also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound, the Borzoi is a large and unusual-looking dog breed with a long history. Despite their long history and wonderful temperament, this breed is still relatively uncommon but thanks to platforms like TikTok, they seem to be...

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