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: West Highland White Terrier (Westies)
Also known as Westies, West Highland White Terriers are small but confident dogs with a lively and affectionate nature. These dogs are affectionate and energetic, making them great additions to families and active homes. With plenty of exercise and activity, Westies...
A Horse Is A Horse Of Course Of Course. What Taking Care of A Horse Entails
Taking care of horses can be an incredible hobby and it's something that more than a million folks in the United States do. But having a horse takes time, energy, and money; with these animals having an average lifespan of 25-30 years, owning a horse is often a...
A Murder of Crows and An Unkindness of Ravens
Found throughout North America in a range of ecosystems, American crows and common ravens are similarly-looking birds that are a part of the corvid family. These blackbirds do differ from each other in many ways, like their wingspan, beak curvature, and voice, but...
Behind the Breed: Tibetan Mastiff
These large dogs were originally bred to be guardians of villagers living in the Himalayas and while they look imposing, Tibetan Mastiffs are actually just big balls of love. Like other guardian dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs are devoted to their families and are incredibly...
Why Do Cats Like High Spaces?
If you've ever had cats, you might know just how much they like being high up, even if there's really no room for them. This behavior might be annoying at times, particularly when cats start to knock things over! But being up high is a perfectly natural thing for...
The Importance of Parks and Trees in Urban Areas
With the ever-present threat of the climate crisis, the restoration of ecosystems and protection of public lands and bodies of water is incredibly important. There are numerous health benefits and economic boosts to public parks, as folks living near parks report...
Behind the Breed: Australian Kelpie
Like other herding dogs, the Australian Kelpie is an active, intelligent, and loyal dog with an unlimited source of energy. Kelpies are medium in size, often weighing 30-45 pounds and standing 17-20 inches tall, but what they lack in size, they make up for with...
Bighorn Sheep of the Pacific Northwest
As the biggest wild sheep in North America, bighorn sheep have light brown coats, split hooves, and large horns that indicate their age. In the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountain bighorn is one of two subspecies in the area and can be found in the Rocky Mountain...
La Vie En Nose: What You May Not Know About Your Dog’s Nose
There are many amazing things about dogs and their impressive sense of smell is definitely one of them. With up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses (50 times more receptors than humans!), dogs can actually smell some odors in parts per trillion and can...
The Effects Of Wildfires
For the past few years, wildfires along the west coast of the US and Canada have been burning hotter, faster, and longer during the summer months. The National Interagency Fire Center, self-described as the country's support center for wildland firefighting, has a map...
Holistic Pet Care
Caring for yourself and other living creatures can be a lot to handle, which may be why holistic medicine and alternative care treatments are becoming more and more popular. Hydrotherapy, massage, and acupuncture are all part of the holistic care field that can help...
What You Need To Know If You Want Domestic Geese
Backyard chickens have become popular over the last few years and more municipalities have allowed homes to have small flocks! Some folks have even gotten domestic geese and while these birds have a reputation for being mean, there are actually a few great reasons to...
Behind the Breed: Bichon Frise
This peppy, fluffy breed would be a great addition to any family or home, particularly for those with mild dog-related allergies or who want a cheerful, small dog. A Bichon Frise will usually stand 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 12-18 pounds. Bichons are...
Porcupines of the Pacific Northwest
The North American porcupine is one of the largest rodents on the continent and can be easily recognized by its coat of 30,000+ quills. These mammals can be mostly found in forested areas around Washington state but have been known to thrive in brushy wetlands and...
Five Ways To Give Your Senior Dog The Best Life
Dogs have an unfortunate habit of growing old much faster than humans so if you're a dog person, there are probably going to be a few times where you'll be living with a senior dog. The good news is that senior dogs are just as incredible as their younger selves!...
