Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a 19,286,722-acre protected expanse in northeastern Alaska on traditional Iñupiaq and Gwich'in lands, and the largest national wildlife refuge in the United States. Stretching from Arctic coast to inland tundra, mountains, taiga, and wetlands, it contains an exceptional range of habitats that support unusually rich Arctic biodiversity, including three bear species, caribou, muskoxen, and hundreds of migratory birds. The coastal plain is especially important for caribou calving and is sacred in Gwich'in tradition. Protected federally beginning in 1960 and greatly expanded in 1980, the refuge remains roadless and central to continuing debates over wilderness preservation, oil development, and climate change.

Arctic Village, Alaska · United States