Animals of the Pacific Northwest is an online project dedicated to animal welfare, humane education, environmental justice, wildlife conservation, and the animals and their fans that call the Pacific Northwest home.
The Pacific Northwest is home to many different habitats, flora and fauna species, communities, and domestic animals. In this region, you can find mountain goats, grizzly bears, transient and resident orcas, northwestern salamanders, western pond turtles, red foxes, grey wolves, long-tailed weasels, cougars, bobcats, and so much more. Domestic animals also call this place home as well and have existed with humans for thousands of years. Dogs, cats, horses, chickens, sheep, and more have had a huge impact both on human life and the environment in this region.
Where is the Pacific Northwest?
Also known as Cascadia, this ecoregion is found in western North America and the northeastern Pacific Ocean. There aren’t exact boundaries for the region but generally, it includes the Salish Sea, US states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho plus the Canadian province of British Columbia. Broader maps include southeastern Alaska, western Montana, and northern California.
The Salish Sea
This inland sea is a vital part of Washington and British Columbia – for economic, cultural, and biodiversity reasons. It stretches from Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Puget Sound up to Desolation Sound north of the Strait of Georgia. The Salish Sea covers almost 17,000 square kilometers and is protected by Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula. There are more than 4,600 kilometers of coastline, 37 mammal species, 172 bird species, 253 fish species, 3,000 invertebrate species, and more than 8 million humans.
The name for this sea comes from the Coast Salish peoples, the indigenous communities that have called the Salish Sea and surrounding land home for time immemorial, like the Lummi (Lhaq’temish), Cowlitz, Puyallup, Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), and Tulalip peoples. Many of the names for places in the Pacific Northwest are names for tribes or come from Coast Salish languages.
Five Ways You Can Help Pollinators
Like so much of the world, pollinators of all kinds are facing threats and declining populations. From rising global temperatures, habitat loss, pesticides, and so much more, these vital creatures are facing immense challenges. It seems utterly overwhelming but there...
The Problems For Pollinators
Pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, bats, and butterflies are all facing threats to their existence and many of their populations are on the decline. Between habitat loss, non-native and invasive species, modern agriculture, pesticides and herbicides, and climate...
How To Be A Beekeeper
For those who love bees and want to spend time with them, beekeeping can be a great hobby or even a profession! Humans have been keeping bees for roughly 9,000 years and collecting honey from wild bee colonies dates back even farther. For those with gardens or an...
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...
Pollinators of the Pacific Northwest
Largely unseen by humans, pollination helps both plants, pollinators, and people, making any and all pollinators incredibly valuable in any and all ecosystems they're a part of. Nearly 85% of all plants in the world need pollination to reproduce, and a significant...
Ways to Learn About Pollinators
Learning about pollinators is one great way to celebrate Pollinator week (or any time of the year!), as there is so much to learn about these fascinating and important creatures. There are films, podcasts, books, exhibits, smartphone apps, and distance learning...
Pollinator Week 2021: How to Support and Learn More About Pollinators
This week (June 21-27, 2021) is Pollinator Week! This annual event is celebrated all around the world as a way to learn about and support pollinators and their health. There are so many ways to get involved this week, like watching a relevant documentary, working in a...
Behind the Breed: Greyhounds
As the fastest dog breed in the world, greyhounds are one of the most iconic and loving breeds. Because of their long legs and narrow bodies, these dogs can run up to 45 miles an hour and there are plenty that end up in the racing industry. Despite their fast running...
Ten Career Paths Where You Can Work With Animals
I've been lucky enough to be around and work with animals of all kinds for much of my life. This passion and love for animals is a big reason why I started this blog! There are so many ways to work hands-on with animals, whether it's a career, a hobby, or...
Should My Cat Be Indoor Only? 5 Reasons To Keep Your Cat Indoors and 2 Myths About This Decision
Note, this post does include affiliate links that I may make a commission off of, at no cost to you. Domestic cats have been an important part of our lives for thousands of years; some cultures have even worshipped cats as deities. Nowadays, cats are one of the most...
Behind the Breed: Havanese Dogs
In addition to their expressive eyes and outgoing personalities, these toy dogs have long, silky hair and curly tail, making them fun, beautiful dogs. Havanese dogs are the only breed native to Cuba and named after the island's largest city, Havana. These dogs are...
Spirit Bears and The Great Bear Rainforest
Covering 6.4 million hectares (15.8 million acres) along British Columbia's north and central coast, this forest is home to vivid landscapes and a highly diverse collection of plants, animals, and marine life. The Great Bear Rainforest is just one of the temperate...
12 of the Most Dog Friendly National Parks in the United States
In the United States, there are roughly 63 national parks and many more national forests/monuments and state parks. The National Park Service was established in 1916 and currently manages 84 million acres of public land in the US. California has the most national...
Behind the Breed: Chow Chows
With a fluffy coat, blue tongue, and rounded triangular ears, Chow Chows are incredibly bright and dignified dogs. These dogs are compact and clean, as they're easy to housetrain and can be as fastidious as cats. Chows are also rather adaptable dogs and can take to...
Happy Pride Month! Here Are Some Pride Month Puppers and LGBTQ+ Folks Working in Pet Care and STEM
Commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Riots that happened in June, 1969, Pride Month is a dedication to celebrating and fighting for the entire LGBTQ+ community. Here at Animals of the Pacific Northwest, we wholeheartedly support LGBTQ+ folks (and fully...
