Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
June 2021

Rabies Outbreak in Western Alaska
Sparks Team Response

By Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen

Several State of Alaska Departments, federal and local authorities came together in March 2021 to address a recent rabies outbreak in Nome. Alaska’s response to this crisis followed the One Health concept - recognizing that the health of people, domestic and wild animals, as well as the environment, are all intertwined and should be addressed in a collaborative and coordinated fashion.

Arctic fox rabies is enzootic in populations of arctic and red fox populations along Alaska’s ...   Rabies Outbreak Article Continued

The Summer Orchestra

By Arin Underwood

The melting snow in Alaska is often accompanied by an increase in birdsong as the state’s numerous migratory birds return. Many of these songs, trills, whistles, and drums are familiar to Alaskans, even if they can’t identify their owner. The acoustic overtures that fill the air on spring mornings mark the dramatic rise in avian biodiversity at northern latitudes as birds return from far-flung wintering areas for the breeding season.

To aid in the differentiation of these species, ...   Summer Orchestra Article Continued

Alaska’s Small Furry Pollinator
Western Bumblebee

By Sanaa Siddiqi

It was last summer that it first occurred to me that I don’t know anything about bumblebees.

I wasn’t terribly interested in them as a child. I spent most encounters shying away from them, tucking my head into my shoulders like a pigeon and trying to make myself as small as possible when they buzzed close. I did the same for any striped, buzzing insect that ventured too close. In fact, I didn’t like them very much at all. This was cemented by an incident in Malaysia, where ...   Western Bumblebee Article Continued

McNeil River Bear Viewing Raffle

By staff

McNeil River is renowned as one of Alaska’s premier bear viewing areas. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska (OHFA), the department’s official non-profit partner organization, announce a special raffle for anyone wishing to visit the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary this summer.

The winner will receive two coveted sanctuary access permits, seaplane transportation to the sanctuary, and lodging in Homer. Tickets are ...   Bear Viewing Raffle Article Continued