Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve - Animals

Within Yukon-Charley National Preserve"s 2.5 million acres are many examples of Alaskan fauna. These run the gamut from microscopic invertebrates to charismatic megafauna such as wolves, bears, caribou and moose. During the summer of 2000 even a solitary wayward muskox was spotted several times along the Yukon River hundreds of miles from it"s normal range. Yukon-Charley is home to a number of wolf packs. Although rarely seen, these beautiful animals range throughout the preserve and into the Fortymile area to the south.

The region has the highest nesting density of peregrine falcons. These acrobatic raptors account for approximately 20% of those found in North America. Once listed as an endangered species, peregrines have now been removed from the list of endangered species because of their dramatic increases in places like Yukon-Charley.

Other than birds, the most frequently seen animals in Yukon-Charley are the moose. These huge herbivores are preyed upon by the wolves and bears as well as humans. Because of it"s designation as a national preserve rather than a national park, hunting and trapping is permitted in Yukon-Charley.

The Fortymile caribou herd migrates through Yukon-Charley on an annual basis providing not only the opportunity to view large herds of the beautiful animal, but they also play an important role as prey for the carnivores of the area. A number of species of fish are found within the preserve. These include arctic grayling, northern pike, and several species of salmon that make their annual migration up the Yukon River to spawn.

Perhaps the most common member of the fauna experienced by visitors to Yukon-Charley are the hordes of mosquitos. Sometimes jokingly referred to as "Alaska"s State Bird," the pesky little bloodsuckers are an important part of the food supply for a variety of birds as well as fish.