Sitka Nature

I compiled this list from various sources. Publications by McDonald and Cook on mammal distribution and genetics in Southeast Alaska were especially helpful for terrestrial mammals. I have only included Terrestrial mammals known from Baranof Island. I think there may be a couple of others on Chichagof. The marine mammal portion of the list consists of species that I have either observed or heard of others observing in the Sitka area. Due to the limited number of species, I have not included the families.

Land Mammals

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

Abundant (for a large mammal). Found from sea level (and sometimes even swimming) to the alpine. Baranof and Chichagof Islands, together with Admiralty Island (the so-called “A-B-C islands”) have the highest density of Brown Bears in the world. They spend the winter months in dens, usually entering in late Fall and emerging in early spring.

Sitka Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis)

Abundant. Other than the Red Squirrel, probably the most commonly observed mammal. Present from sea level (sometimes seen swimming) to the alpine. They have no consistent predators in the Sitka area other than humans, though bears take them opportunistically and fauns may be subject to some predation from other animals.

Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) - Introduced

Introduced in the 1920’s or so as a game animal. Have since expanded in numbers significantly. The difficult part of observing these animals is getting to their preferred habitat, the high alpine ridges. Sometimes in winter they can be found at lower elevations.

River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

Common, though somewhat secretive. They range from the shoreline and nearshore environment to miles inland in river valleys. They may go to higher elevations as well, though I am not sure about that. They can also sometimes be seen in town near the waterfront.

Ermine (Mustela erminea)

Apparently rare and probably secretive on top of that. I have only talked to a couple of people who have seen them, though one said in some years they can be fairly abundant.

Mink (Mustela vison)

Fairly common along shorelines and rivers.

Marten (Martes americana) - Introduced

I have never seen one, though I think I have seen their scats and tracks. Forests and even above the treeline.

Beaver (Castor canadensis)

I have seen evidence of Beavers in Fish Bay and have heard they live in other watersheds on Northern Baranof Island. I think they are more common Chichagof Island. I am not sure how far south on Baranof they range.

Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) - Introduced

Abundant. Sea level to alpine. Occasionally somewhat above the treeline.

Deer Mouse (Peromyscus keeni)

Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus)

I’m most familiar with their trails and burrows around the treeline. I have heard they can also be found at lower elevations.

Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) - Introduced

I am uncertain whether this species occurs outside of populated areas.

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Common Shrew (Sorex cinerus)

Marine Mammals

Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

As I understand it, they are fairly common but not as easy to observe as the more well-known Humpback Whale.

Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Two falls in a row, a Fin Whale was spotted in Sitka Sound. These were the first reported sightings since whaling days, as I understand it.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The most easily observed whale in the Sitka area. Often can be observed from the road system, especially in late Fall and winter months.

Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)

Moves through on migration, but I do not think they are frequently seen.

Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

Primarily found at the edge of the continental shelf, about 20 miles out into the open ocean from Sitka. Subject of study recently due to impact on Commercial Long-lining fishery (whales have been taking fish from the lines).

Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

Highly mobile. I am not sure how many are around the Sitka area, but I don’t think they are seen all that often. I think the Killer Whales in the Sitka area are typically part of the transient population (they eat primarily marine mammals).

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

Fairly common, sometimes seen from shore. Usually just get a brief look and then they are gone.

Dall’s Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)

Steller’s Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)

Easy to see. Usually one or more can be seen in the Channel or Crescent Bay, where they seem to feed primarily on carcasses from the fish cleaning stations.

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)

Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus)

Formerly more abundant off South Baranof on their northward migration.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Common. Regularly seen from shore. There are several places they commonly haul out in the Sitka area.

Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

In the last 20 years, they have become pretty abundant in Sitka sound. Occasionally they venture in close to town. I have seen one offshore of Totem Park and heard a report of one just inside the entrance to Crescent Harbor.