A rare sighting of a cougar was reported in Vancouver's urban Dunbar area, close to Pacific Spirit Regional Park, prompting caution among residents.

During the Christmas bird count in Bethel, despite high winds, volunteers spotted two bald eagles and a red-breasted nuthatch, marking the first sighting of the nuthatch in 21 years of the event.

A polar bear wandered into the village of Uelen in Chukotka, Russia, causing alarm among residents who quickly took shelter. Bear patrol workers were able to safely drive the bear away without incident. Local residents note that polar bears have visited more often this year than last year. Taking this case into account, patrol volunteers have chased away the polar predators 6 times.

Emperor penguin 'Gus' was found malnourished on a tourist beach 3,500 km from his Antarctic home; he is now returning home after weeks of rehabilitation.

A family of killer whales was spotted near downtown Vancouver in a rare sighting likely linked to hunting for seals.

A 47-foot fin whale washed ashore near Anchorage's Westchester Lagoon. Biologists believe it is a young female and are investigating the cause of its beaching.

A lone sandhill crane has been observed staying at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks well beyond the typical migration period. The crane appears healthy but risks survival challenges due to the approaching winter.

The Orca Conservancy said the sightings made history. Some whale watchers hope it will again raise awareness of the need to protect them.

Less than two months after the removal of dams restored a free-flowing Klamath River, salmon have made their way upstream to begin spawning and have been spotted in Oregon for the first time in more than a century.

Photos of the animal recently circulated widely online, prompting a flurry of debate about whether the animal was a wolf or just a dog.

Eric and Louise McLeod have been visiting their cabin south of Aklavik, N.W.T., for 25 years. On their most recent trip, they saw something they never had before.

A new plant species is establishing itself in the area and impacting native beach greens.

An observer reports unusual sightings of Sabine's gulls, including juveniles, outside their typical migration period, suggesting a potential new breeding colony near Nome.