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.
Behind the Breed: American Eskimo Dogs
American Eskimo Dogs are goofy and fun dogs that seem to embody the phrase “tiny but mighty”.
Pronghorn of the Pacific Northwest
Pronghorn antelope can be found in the prairies and grasslands of North America, with small populations existing in the Pacific Northwest.
The Shrub-Steppe and Sagelands of the Pacific Northwest
Eastern Washington and Oregon might seem dull and barren but these areas are ecologically diverse and beautiful in their own right.
Celebrating the Fourth of July With Your Pets.
Fourth of July is coming up… Are you and your pets prepared?
Bunny Behavior: Learn to Speak Rabbit!
What Does The Rabbit Say?
Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires: Campfire Safety
“Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires.” This iconic slogan has been a part of Smokey The Bear’s campaign for decades now. With more than 80% of wildfires in the United States started by humane carelessness, this long-running public service campaign is more important than...
Behind the Breed: Belgian Malinois
As one of the four Belgian herding breeds, the Belgian Malinois is a large breed with an energetic and sometimes intense personality. They were named after the city of Malines, where they were initially developed, and have been around since the 19th century. It wasn’t...
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...
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. Technically speaking, there are four species:...
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,...
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...
Beating the Heat: Taking Care of Pets During Warm Weather
Global warming and climate change play a huge role in the rising temperatures here in the Northwest and around the world. Summers seem to be getting longer and hotter all across the world and these rising temperatures are impacting people, animals of all kinds, and...
Bird is the Word: Effects of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu, also known as HPAI and avian/bird flu, has unfortunately been a large-scale issue across the Pacific Northwest and North America over the last year and a half. This flu strain (H5N1) impacts wild birds like California Condors and...
Behind the Breed: Designer/Hybrid Breeds
Designer breeds like Goldendoodles and Pomskys have become very popular over the last few years. But at what cost?
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...
