Highly pathogenic avian influenza & other frequently asked bird health questions

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in both domestic and wild birds in Canada and the United States. The strain now present in North America has caused illness and death in waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and birds of prey. Birds that migrate to Alaska to nest and breed could be infected. Learn more including steps hunters can take to reduce infection risk and how to report observations/concerns. See also: Alaska Bird FAQ: if it's sick, abandoned, injured or dead

Visitor Center Closure

Our visitor center remains closed to the public. Limited virtual and outdoor education programs are available. Please continue to check back here or on our Facebook page for updates and information about our available programs and events. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is following federal, state, and local public health authority guidance as we continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, you'll never be more than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, Kodiak brown bears gorge on salmon and mountains rise 4,000 feet from craggy coastlines, misty fiords, and deep glacial valleys. Birds are prolific. Kodiak's climate is marine-influenced and characterized by moderately heavy precipitation, cool temperatures, and cloudy days. However, breaks in the weather are stunning.


Latest News

A rainbow over a bright green field
Recreation
Rainbows Over Refuges
Few of nature’s wonders are more eye-catching and breathtaking than rainbows. This story touches on the science and lore of rainbows
A Tufted Puffin Takes Flight
Migratory Species
Tracking an Alaskan Icon
Sadly, Tufted Puffins have experienced serious declines in the southern portion of their range, declining approximately 90% relative to early 1900s estimates, and are currently declining 9% annually from California to Washington state. They are also declining at the southwestern end of their range...
bright orange flower grows next to purple bell-shaped flowers in a field by a roadside
Habitat Restoration
Alaskans: plant this, not that
It’s never too early to start thinking about what to plant in your garden, yard, or apartment balcony. But have you considered if what you’re planting helps or hurts your neighborhood wildlife? Is it an invasive species? Here are five plants to avoid and the beautiful alternatives that you can...
Blue and white ship sails towards land over calm blue waters and a blue sky with a few clouds.
Science and Technology
Sailing the Oceans of Alaska
From spunky inflatable skiffs to a fully equipped 120-foot research ship, boats give our scientists access to the immense 6,640 mile coastline of Alaska (over 30,000 miles if you count all the islands. Which we do.). Boats also help us to study the wildlife that depends on the diverse marine waters...
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.
Large meadow of pink fireweed flowers
Wildlife Wonders
Fireweed
Alaska’s short, sweet summer is usually in full swing by the time you really notice it. “Better hurry and enjoy it,” the fireweed says as blooms march up its stem. Another beautiful Alaska summer gone by, marked by fireweed flowers going to seed as salmon runs shift to Coho and start to dwindle. As...
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Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Red Fox
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      Animalia
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      North American River Otter
      northern river otter
      river otter
      common otter
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      Root Vole
      Tundra Vole
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      Animalia
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      Little Brown Bat
      Little Brown Myotis
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      Rocky Mountain goat
      mountain goat
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      Animalia
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      Aleutian Tern
      dentification Tips: Length: 13 inches Sexes similar Dives into water for prey Medium-sized tern with short, slender, pointed bill Long, deeply forked tail Smoothly rounded head without crest Mostly pale underwing with dark bar on secondaries Gray mantle Adult alternate: Black legs Black bill Black...
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      Arctic Tern
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      Animalia
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      Bald eagle
      Bald Eagle

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

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      Animalia
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      Our Library

      Past and present projects and research conducted on Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

      Get Involved

      woman kneels next to a huge brown bear paw
      Image Details

      Kodiak welcomes and relies on volunteers, Friends, and interns to accomplish refuge goals in all aspects of conservation and education!

      Common volunteer opportunities include cabin maintenance, invasive plant control, berry surveys, bird banding, and staffing the visitor center.

      Volunteer opportunities on the Refuge include float plane or boat transportation to the Refuge, as well as meals and lodging, but trips to the Refuge require aviation and bear safety training to be completed in advance so be sure to plan ahead.

      We welcome youth volunteers to assist with several refuge programs. Opportunities include: The Kodiak Refuge Youth Leadership (KRYL) Program, Salmon Camp Aide, Avian Monitoring (bird banding), Visitor Center Guide and assisting our staff with events and environmental education programs.

      Projects and Research

      Diverse island ecosystems, abundant fish and wildlife, and a remote wildland setting serve as an ideal outdoor laboratory. Working jointly, biologists with the Refuge, State of Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey monitor populations of Kodiak brown bear, bald eagle, salmon and other fish and wildlife and their habitats to estimate trends in abundance, survival, and productivity. The Refuge also sponsors and conducts basic and applied research projects, develops monitoring methods, and evaluates management strategies.

      By designing and implementing appropriate research and monitoring studies, the Refuge will better understand, conserve, and protect its natural and cultural resources for the continuing benefit of the public.