Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest

Roosevelt Elk

• Associated with President Roosevelt's passion for wildlife preservation and hunting.
• Concerned about protecting temperate rainforests for the survival of elk species.

Kodiak Brown Bear

• A coastal race of grizzly found in southern Alaska.
• Habitats include exposed meadows, thickets, and stream valleys.
• Relies heavily on salmon runs for seasonal feeding; social structures formed during feeding periods.
• Lower salmon availability leads to increased competition and aggression among bears.

Black Bear

• Notable for the white morph known as the "spirit bear."

Sockeye Salmon

• Exhibits strong olfactory imprinting to identify spawning streams.
• Recognizes specific nest sites known as redds in gravel beds.
• Contributes nutrient flow to ecosystems, enhancing tree growth and bird densities through carcasses.

Marbled Murrelet

• Nests in old-growth forests on soil accumulations in Douglas-fir trees; requires platforms aged at least 150 years.
• Nesting typically occurs within 60 km of the coastline and at least 45 m above ground.
• Discovered as a nesting species only in 1974; lays a single egg and feeds nestlings with small fish.
• Population listed as federally threatened, mainly due to habitat loss in British Columbia and California.

Red Tree Vole

• Features a long prehensile tail for adept tree climbing.
• Feeds primarily on needles from Douglas-fir and western hemlock.
• Constructs tree nests in the canopy; serves as prey for the Northern Spotted Owl.
• Demonstrates ability to jump from high branches to the ground.

Northern Flying Squirrel

• Scientific name: Glaucomys sabrinus.

Chickaree

• Scientific name: Tamiasciurus douglasi.

Banana Slug

• Largest terrestrial mollusk in North America.
• Feeds on fresh plant material, particularly Alnus leaves.
• Plays a vital role in nutrient cycling, enhancing nutrient turnover in old-growth forest understories.

Pacific Giant Salamander

• Known for climbing abilities and vocalizations that resemble a barking dog.
• Has a mottled pattern and is diurnal.
• Diet consists of small mammals and invertebrates.

Explore the diverse wildlife found in the Pacific Northwest, including Roosevelt Elk, Kodiak Brown Bears, Black Bears, Sockeye Salmon, and Marbled Murrelets. This quiz covers important ecological traits and conservation concerns for these species in their natural habitats. Test your knowledge on how these animals interact with their environments and each other.