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: Brittany Dogs
Formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel, these dogs are incredibly energetic and affectionate dogs up for adventures!
City Nature Challenge: April 28th to May 1st, 2023
Spend time in nature and become a citizen scientist this weekend – April 28 to May 1, 2023!
Earth Day 2023
Happy Earth Day!
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.
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...
Behind the Breed: Holland Lops, Flemish Giants, and Lionhead Rabbits
Did you know that domestic rabbits come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities? The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 50 unique breeds and each one has its own history, temperament, and physical characteristics. Some of the most common domestic...
Becoming A BARK Ranger with the National Park Service!
National parks are wonderful areas to explore, especially with pets!
Tokitae The Orca Is Coming Home!
As the oldest captive orca, Tokitae is the last killer whale still alive after being captured in the 1970s from the Salish Sea in Washington and British Columbia.
How wildlife tourism can harm animals
How is our search for a unique experience harming the very animals we claim to love?
![#StopWillow – No More Drilling Projects In The Arctic! [April 4th, 2023 Update]](https://i0.wp.com/animalsofpnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WA_RED_Stills-24.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
#StopWillow – No More Drilling Projects In The Arctic! [April 4th, 2023 Update]
Simply put, the Willow Project, also known as the Willow Master Development Project, is yet another proposed oil development project slated to be built in Alaska’s Western Arctic. This $6 billion project is currently projected to open up an estimated 629 million...
Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds
Learn more about Lapphunds!
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?
Behind the Breed: Borzois
Learn more about these beautiful dogs!
Grey Wolves
Grey wolves were once found around most of North America.
Beavers
This unassuming, semiaquatic rodent is seen as a nuisance by some but in reality, beavers are significant players in the health of ecosystems and are even vital in stopping wildfires. In addition to providing habitat and a source of water, the ponds and wetlands that...
