Background Articles

For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the Alaskapox virus.

Climate change is causing a 'microbial awakening' in Alaska's ecosystems, altering food webs as fungi become a major energy source for small mammals.

Subsistence hunters living in Northwest Alaska and parts of the North Slope are now only allowed to hunt up to 15 animals a year, only one of which can be a cow. This is a considerable change from five caribou a day, and it goes into effect on state-managed lands on July 1.

Scientists have tracked the life journey of a mammoth named Elma across ancient Alaska, revealing her path overlapped with human hunter camps, using chemical analysis of her tusk as a "chemical GPS."

A study reveals that North Slope caribou are significantly more sensitive to oil field road traffic than previously thought, with disruptions occurring at traffic volumes as low as five vehicles per hour.

Experts discuss strategies for ensuring the health and sustainability of Alaska's caribou amidst environmental and developmental challenges.

Alaska's predator control measures and wildlife management strategies are under scrutiny as tensions rise over state and federal jurisdiction, with calls for more inclusive decision-making and realistic goals amidst rapid climate change.

A significant, yet often overlooked, impact of voles on the Arctic tundra's carbon cycle, highlighting their potential to influence whether the tundra acts as a carbon sink or source.

Kotzebue Elder Gladys I’yiiqpak Pungowiyi said that over the years, many skilled hunters were lost when they went out hunting and fell through the ice. I’ve been called to pray for people that are affected mentally.”

The Western Arctic Caribou Herd continues to decline, now at about a third of its 2003 population, with hunting restrictions likely as part of conservation efforts.

Researchers are studying arctic ground squirrels, whose unique hibernation abilities may offer insights into treating human brain injuries and diseases.

Alaska's chief veterinarian warns of a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs in the Lower 48 and advises local pet owners to take precautions.

Siberian reindeer herders and scientists are working together to figure out how to predict rain-on-snow events that turn tundra into deadly ice.

Northern states are implementing measures to prevent the spread of invasive "super pigs" from Canada, which are a crossbreed of wild boar and domestic swine, causing significant ecological and agricultural damage.

Wolves in Katmai, Alaska, have been observed hunting sea otters and seals, suggesting a significant ecological link between land and marine life.

The otter population in Sweden is bouncing back after having been severely hit by hunting, road accidents and toxins in the environment in past decades.Since ...

Wildlife surveys in southwest Yukon have shown a 'concerning' decline in the number of Dall sheep — and biologists say recent snowy winters may be to blame.

Hunters are concerned about the small and lean size of moose calves, which may be due to various factors such as climate, dry weather, and late-born calves, leading to potential consequences for the moose population.

Geneviève Degré-Timmons, a PhD candidate, is studying why caribou use burned lands and when they stop using them, and has created a painting to represent the cycle of the boreal forest and caribou interactions within it.

A new AI radar system called "Bear-dar" has been developed to detect polar bears remotely and send alerts to notify people of their presence, and could potentially be used to detect grizzly and black bears as well, helping humans and bears coexist safely.