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.
DIY Dog Treats That Are Easy to Make
Making your own dog treats can be a fun baking activity and ends with tasty snacks for your dog! There are so many recipes out there but here are a few easy recipes you can try today. Sweet Potato Chews This is by far the easiest treat to make on this list! All you...
Easter Activities for the Whole Family, Including Pets.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. For those who celebrate, Easter is just around the corner! There are so many fun activities for this holiday, including Easter egg hunts, dying eggs,...
Behind the Breed: Papillons
These small, happy dogs are known for their big wing-like ears and agility abilities. Papillons are incredibly smart and friendly, making them great companions, especially for those who might live in smaller places or those who want to travel with their dog. They're...
15 Plants, Flowers, and Trees to Add to a Pollinator-Friendly Garden.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Pollinators like butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees are vital parts of an ecosystem. They support biodiversity, help crops, and are indications of the...
Celebrating Spring and the International Day of Forests.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Springtime in the Pacific Northwest is marked by many things. The days get longer, the sun starts to make an appearance, trees start to blossom, and you...
Camping With Dogs
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. One of the many great things about the Pacific Northwest is how easy it is to spend time outside. There are parks, lakes, rivers, mountains, the Salish...
Behind the Breed: Samoyeds
These white, fluffy dogs are known for their friendly, goofy nature. Bred initially for pulling sleds and other tasks, Samoyeds thrive in colder climates and often love snow. In fact, their history as sled dogs is why they're one of the oldest domestic dog breeds...
Stop Pipeline 3 in Minnesota and Alberta
President Biden had a busy first day at the White House back in January and one of his first executive orders was to stop the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. While this is good news for the environment, this isn't the only pipeline that some are trying to...
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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...
Behind the Breed: Rottweilers.
There are a few breeds that look or are considered dangerous. The title of 'most dangerous breed' has changed over the years but for some, rottweilers are a scary breed. Like with any breed, a dog's temperament is often dependent on genetics and life experience; plus,...
World Wildlife Day
Today is World Wildlife Day and this year's theme is "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet". Started by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013, today is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the wildlife here on earth. There are so...
Getting Pet Stains and Odor Out!
There's nothing that gets me out of bed faster than a cat or dog vomiting. Cleaning up vomit (or even stool!) at 3am while half asleep is not what I call a good time but neither is waking up in the morning and accidentally stepping in something cold and very gross....
Today is International Polar Bear Day!
Started by Polar Bears International, today is an annual event that's celebrated to raise awareness about polar bear conservation. Climate change has made life for these iconic animals incredibly difficult and they've become the face of the negative consequences of...
Foxes of the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to many mammals, including a couple fox species! There are 12 different extant fox species found all around the world but the red fox, arctic fox, gray fox, and kit fox call parts of the northwest home. There is even a small population of...
The Climate Crisis and the Green New Deal.
Climate change isn't just about living during the hottest years on record and through numerous wildfires, rising ocean levels, and melting glaciers. It's also about severe winter weather as well. Texas was recently hit with uncharacteristically freezing temperatures...
