There are many reasons, both feathered and furry, to go wildlife viewing in the Kodiak region. From the tiniest tundra vole to the world-famous Kodiak Brown Bear, you will not be disappointed. Indigenous land mammals include the red fox, ermine, river otter and the little brown bat. Introduced species include Sitka black-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, beaver, and the chatty red squirrel. If you look up on the mountains, you may see a small heard of shaggy mountain goats grazing on the steep slopes. On a drive out the road system to Narrow Cape you can suddenly find your car surrounded by Highland cows or bison. Whale watching in the Kodiak Archipelago is world-class. Many charter boat operators that specialize in wildlife viewing and photography will point out several varieties of whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, porpoises, and sea cliffs covered with nesting Black-legged Kittiwakes and other nesting seabirds. High on everyone’s list is seeing the colorful Horned or Tufted Puffins, also known as “sea parrots,” for their large colorful beaks. The thrill of seeing a bald eagle never grows old and over 600 nesting pairs have been recorded in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge alone. Eagles are spotted throughout the calendar year and during winter congregate downtown to scavenge food from off- loading fishing boats. Photography opportunities abound! For those who prefer to stay on land for their marine wildlife viewing, there are plenty of beaches and viewpoints perfect for spotting whale spouts and flukes. Beachcombing and tide pooling reveals unique creatures including anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, jellyfish, and countless other aquatic life species. To learn more about Kodiak’s aquatic critters including our five species of Pacific Salmon, head over to Near Island to the Fisheries Research Center and check out the displays, touch tank and aquarium. If your desire for wild things leans more toward stalking wildflowers, you will be very busy on Kodiak Island. About 670 species of plants have been identified here and once you leave the city limits; you will be surrounded by native species of plants. A camera and field guide are a must to include in your daypack. With the abundance of moisture coupled with moderate temperatures and long summer days, plant life thrives. A variety of habitats are accessible from the road system to enjoy our plant life from the beaches and coastal meadows to the Sitka spruce forest and mountain ridges. Coastal meadows have an abundance of wildflowers that includes wild iris, lupines, native orchids, shooting stars, wild geraniums, and wild roses. Be aware of brushing up against the large leaves of the cow parsnip (locally referred to as “pushki”) on sunny days, as it can deliver blisters to bare skin. Kodiak’s fruit bearing plants are a favorite during late summer and fall picking season when salmonberries, blueberries, low bush cranberries and more provide sustenance for humans, birds and bears. KODIAK.ORG | 13
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