Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
April 2024

Operation Lake Trout
Biologists use radio telemetry to track movements

By Tim Mowry & Matt Albert

If you ask fisheries biologist Corey Schwanke, the Tangle Lakes system in the eastern Alaska Range is utopia for lake trout.

“Lake trout have easy access to ample shallow productive habitat, and they have easy access to deeper locations where they can find cold water,” said Schwanke, who has been working as a fisheries biologist in ADF&G’s Glennallen office for the past 30 years and also happens to be an avid lake trout angler. “That’s what makes Tangle ...   Operation Lake Trout Article Continued

From Tracks to Trail Cameras
Wildlife education kits for your classroom!

By Karl Boehmer

The classroom fell quiet as students eagerly anticipated the next object to be revealed. Sitting cross-legged on the floor in a semi-circle, they watched their teacher reach into a large black box, craning their necks to glimpse the object coming into view – a skull. They began looking for clues – what animal does this skull belong to?

This classroom is engaging with a Skull Kit, just one of the education kits for Alaska teachers provided courtesy of the Alaska Department of ...   Wildlife ed kits Article Continued

Ode to the Clever Black-Capped Chickadee

By Sanaa Siddiqi

I think it’s just about impossible not to hear a chickadee call and call back “chicka-dee-dee-dee”.

Their rising and falling “fee-bee” call is also familiar on the cold days.

In that time of year before we put our bird feeders away, my son and I would sit on the porch and, very quietly, let them grow accustomed to our presence, just so we could watch them. They were charming to observe, flinging sunflower seed husks with enthusiasm, squabbling and chattering ...   Clever Chickadees Article Continued

Alaska Birding and Wildlife Festivals for 2024

By Marian Snively

A number of Alaska birding and wildlife festivals are planned for the coming months. In some cases, specific presenters are being finalized, but most festivals will feature guest presentations, birding outings, youth activities and guided walks and tours. Check with specific festivals regarding advance registration, travel and lodging details, and ancillary outings through local guides and marine transporters which include additional charges.

Alaska Hummingbird Festival

April 5 ...   Wildlife Festivals Article Continued