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.
Adopting and Interacting with Wildlife.
The Pacific Northwest is home to a wide array of wild animals and there are plenty of organizations dedicated to helping them. Interacting with wildlife can be a tricky endeavor in the wild; selfies with wildlife have caused injuries and even death on a few occasions,...
Behind the Breed: Boxers
Boxers are a popular breed and for good reason, these dogs are goofy, bright, and energetic. Despite their square jaw and muscular statue, boxers are great family dogs and wonderful around children. They're medium in size and have short coats. If you're looking for a...
Docked Tails: Why Removing Your Dog’s Tail isn’t Necessary.
There are plenty of dog breed standards that include a docked tail as a necessary requirement, including the German Wirehaired Pointer and Australian Shepherd. The American Kennel Club is an iconic organization that's been around for more than 135 years and recognizes...
Sled Dogs.
Our relationship with dogs has existed and evolved over tens of thousands of years and different breeds were developed for different jobs. Chihuahuas in Mexico were bed warmers and watchdogs; Golden and Labrador Retrievers were hunting companions; Great Pyrenees dogs...
Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
In the far north of Alaska, there is a vast, remote refuge that stretches nearly 20 million acres. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is roughly the size of South Carolina and encompasses a range of ecosystems. It's also home to many animals, including all three...
Happy Holidays and Happy (Early) New Year.
Winter is officially upon us and the shortest days of the year are still to come. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, I hope you have (or had) a peaceful, loving, and socially distanced celebration and a happy new year. This...
Behind the Breed: Dachshunds
These small and spunky dogs were originally scent hound dogs that hunted animals like badgers and foxes but nowadays, they're great family dogs! Dachshunds are short but long dogs with friendly temperaments and high prey drives/wandering potential. They're...
Behind the Breed: Scottish Deerhound
At this year's National Dog Show, the winner was Claire, a lovely Scottish Deerhound. Up until her win, I personally had no idea that Scottish Deerhound was a breed! This large, regal breed is similar to the Irish Wolfhound in...
Coyotes in the Pacific Northwest.
There are so many wild animals in the Pacific Northwest, in part because we have so many types of ecosystems. Mountains, lakes, rivers, deserts, the Salish Sea, and the Pacific Ocean are all home to many animals. One such species living here is the coyote, a distant...
Behind the Breed: English Bulldogs
These kind and dignified dogs are short in stature but still well-muscled and strong! English Bulldogs are rather iconic dogs and would make a great companion for many, unless you're looking for a running partner! With their relatively flat faces, Bulldogs are prone...
Giving Tuesday 2020
2020 has been a wild and chaotic year, to say the least. The year started with massive wildfires in Australia, the middle was caught up in the fight for racial justice, and it seems like we'll end the year in a global pandemic that's killed 270,000 people in the...
Behind the Breed: Irish Setters.
Learn more about Irish Setters, a wonderful breed with a brilliant red coat.
Talking with Your Dog or Cat.
Bunny, a young sheepadoodle dog, has gained popularity on TikTok for her ability to talk with her owner. No, she hasn't gained the ability to actually say words; instead, she uses buttons that say words! These buttons are augmentative and alternative communication...
Distance Learning Resources.
Covid-19 has drastically changed life as we know it and school is just one aspect that has shifted. Many school districts around the northwest and the country have gone online for the foreseeable future. If your kid is learning online, it can be stressful and...
Behind the Breed: Vizslas
These energetic red dogs are moderately popular in the United States and for good reason! As energetic and affectionate dogs, Vizslas are great family dogs and would make great running partners. Vizslas aren't for those looking for a couch potato in a dog, as they're...
