Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Birds arriving in Alaska for the breeding season may be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has caused illness and death in waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and birds of prey and some mammals. Learn more, including steps hunters can take to reduce the risk of infection and how to report observations/concerns.

Special Use Permit Application Periods

Arctic Refuge has established application periods for the following types of Special Use Permits: Commercial Activities - There are two application periods: January 1 until April 15 and October 1 until November 30. Scientific Research Activities - October 1 until November 30 (for activities proposed the following calendar year). Additional information and instructions. 

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge sustains people, wildlife, and fish in the northeastern corner of Alaska, a vast landscape of rich cultural traditions and thriving ecological diversity. It is located on the traditional homelands of the Iñupiat and Gwichʼin peoples.

Approximately the size of South Carolina, the refuge has no roads or facilities. The lands and waters are a critical home to migratory and resident wildlife, have unique recreational values, and contain the largest designated Wilderness within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Many people may know of the refuge by an abbreviation: ANWR (pronounced an-whar). The full name reminds us that the refuge is part of our national heritage, designated for wildlife conservation.
Announcements:

Boat-based polar bear viewing on waters of Arctic Refuge around Kaktovik is currently unavailable.

Latest News

Landscape view over a river and boreal forest
Science and Technology
River Refuge in the Arctic
The Porcupine River in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge may be remote, but it is an ancient source of connection: between villages and countries, across climate epochs, and along cultural histories. And, through the winged creatures that call it home, the river connects the Arctic Refuge with the...
Large white bird sitting on a tundra grassland landscape with the horizon in the background
Migratory Species
Respecting the Great White Owl
The Los Angeles Snowy Owl is one of many individuals over the last decade to wander far from its Arctic breeding grounds. Snowy Owls are known as nomadic, irruptive migrants that sometimes migrate in large numbers outside their typical winter range. "Snowy Owls are so nomadic it led to experts...
a pastel colored snow field
History and Culture
Nippivik - the Sunset Time
As winter settles in across Alaska, the landscape shifts from vibrant reds and golds of autumn to a more subtle light: pastel pinks of a sun low on the horizon and moonlit blue on the snow. Wildlife and people adjust to the change and prepare to move through the longer nights with different...
Landscape photo of green mountains, a river bank, and blue sky with clouds
Our Partners
USFWS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Alaska Native Relations Policy
Anchorage, Alaska—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it is seeking public comment on the agency’s first ever proposed Alaska Native Relations Policy. 
A brown bear standing and touching a piece of light green vegetation with water in the background
Recreation
Why I Took These Shots #4
This is one in a series of articles in which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff members reflect on favorite photos they have taken at national wildlife refuges. It features communications coordinator LISA HUPP and national wildlife refuges in Alaska.
a striped fly on orange flowers
Wildlife Wonders
Alaska’s Wanna-bees
There are nearly 900 species of flower flies in North America, with roughly 200 species in Alaska (they’re also known as syrphid or “hover” flies). Adult flower flies feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from plant to plant, they serve as unintentional pollinators — pollen grains hitch a ride on...
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Visit Us

Woman in a small inflatable raft on a river with mountains in background
Image Details
Paddling a river in Arctic Refuge

Interactive map of Arctic Refuge.

A trip to Arctic National Wildlife Refuge can be an inspiring, life-changing experience. Whether you want to photograph, fish, hunt, challenge yourself with travel in the backcountry, or just spend quiet time in an immense and humbling landscape, this is a truly remarkable place.

All refuge lands are open to the public, and there are no visitor fees or specific entry points. Visitors plan and arrange their own transportation, trip locations, and itineraries; careful preparation, and self-reliance are a must. There are no roads, established trails, or facilities of any type within the refuge's 19 million acres. Most bring their own food and gear, and access the refuge by air taxi, flying in from nearby communities. First-time visitors may wish to participate in a guided trip. 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      a muskox rests in the fall tundra
      Image Details
      Muskox in Arctic Refuge

      Arctic Refuge is home to all three species of North American bears (black, brown, and polar), and to the Porcupine caribou herd, the Central Arctic caribou herd, Dall sheep, muskox, wolves, and wolverines. More than 200 species of birds from all 50 states and across the world flock to Arctic Refuge to nest, rear their young, and feed. Dolly Varden char thrive here, including a relatively small resident form and a large salmon-sized anadromous form (thanks to perennial springs that stay unfrozen year-round). 

      Our Library

      a line drawing of a sea otter holding her pup
      Conservation in Color: Alaska's Wildlife
      Download these digital coloring pages created by Alaskan artists to learn more about wildlife and conservation, while creating works of art.
      Library Collection
      18 Items

      Projects and Research