The Arctic
The Arctic Circle is characterized by extreme conditions, including harsh weather, long periods of darkness, and frigid temperatures, making it one of the most severe environments on Earth. It’s home to a rich array of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, walruses, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, all adapted to survive in its unique environment.
Spirit Bears
Spirit Bears are a rare subspecies of black bear only found in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. One of the rarest bear in the world, they possess a unique genetic trait giving them light blonde fur. Revered by Indigenous cultures as a symbol of harmony and spirituality, Spirit Bears hold both ecological and cultural significance in the region.
Coastal Wolves
Coastal wolves are shy and secretive creatures that inhabit the remote coastlines, rainforests, and islands of British Columbia. They take advantage of the rich marine environment of the Pacific coast, with seafood making up the majority of their diet. Their elusive nature has shrouded them in an air of mystery, making them one of the least understood creatures of the Canadian wilderness.
Barred Owl Fledglings
Native to eastern North America, barred owls have extended their range to the Pacific Northwest. They’ve shown a remarkable ability to flourish in various habitats, including urban locales. Their adeptness at thriving in city parks, suburban neighborhoods, and even industrial zones underscores their resilience and ability to share space with humans. However, this success has also posed a challenge to native owl species, as barred owls' presence exerts increasing pressure on their populations.
Fir Island from Above
Every fall, thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans migrate from their summer breeding grounds in the arctic to Washington’s Skagit Valley. The geese gather in massive flocks, feeding on leftover crops like corn, wheat, alfalfa, and potatoes. Throughout their winter stay they’ll experience constant challenges from hungry bald eagles to local hunters.
Skagit Bald Eagles
From late November to early January, the Skagit River hosts hundreds of bald eagles from northern Canada, attracted by the abundant salmon carcasses lining the riverbanks during winter spawning. These eagles often exhibit aggression when competing for food, engaging in behaviors like swooping dives, talon grappling, and mid-air battles in their pursuit of a swift meal.
Cypress Swamps
The cypress swamps of the southern Gulf Coast are lush waterlogged environments known for their moss covered cypress trees and abundant animal life. These mysterious swamps are essential to the ecosystem as they serve as critical habitats for numerous species of birds, fish, and mammals. They act as natural water filters, purifying and regulating water flow, and play a vital role in mitigating flooding and erosion in the region.
Antarctica
Antarctica is defined by its desolate landscape, with vast stretches of ice and snow covering the continent. It’s a harsh environment, known for its extreme cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited precipitation. Despite the harsh conditions, Antarctica is home to a wide variety of resilient wildlife who’ve adapted to survive in this extreme and pristine ecosystem.