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.

Koyukuk Refuge lies within the extensive floodplain of the Koyukuk River of interior Alaska, about 270 miles west of Fairbanks and contains a unique geological feature: the Nogahabara Sand Dunes. The refuge's rich wetlands combine with lowland boreal forests of spruce, birch and aspen to support a diversity of wildlife, from healthy numbers of moose populations to large waterfowl populations from four continental flyways.

Latest News

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...
two white geese with black wing tips flying
Migratory Species
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Migratory Birds in Alaska
The Center for Disease Control believes that the public health risk from HPAI in North America is low. Alaska hunters should still exercise caution while hunting and eating migratory birds by following steps to reduce infection risk. Learn how to report observations/concerns in Alaska.
A group of caribou swimming, with heads and antlers visible above the water
Caribou Keep It Cool in the Cold
When it comes to being at home in Alaska’s winter landscape, caribou are pretty chill. Alaska has 32 distinct caribou herds in the state, and you have a chance of seeing these hooved critters in almost all of Alaska’s 16 National Wildlife Refuges.
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Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Homeland of the Koyukon Athabascans, Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) was enacted. Located about 270 miles west of Fairbanks, access to the refuge is limited to air and river travel. The refuge contains 14 rivers and more than 15,000 lakes. Found within the boreal forest of the refuge, a unique geological feature is found- the Nogahabara Sand Dunes. The roughly circular active dune field spans about 6 miles in diameter, and was formed thousands of years ago when wind-blown glacial sand was deposited at the base of the Nulato Hills. Various wildlife call the refuge home including moose, brown bear, black bear, lynx, coyotes, red foxes, wolves, wolverines, beavers, and thousands of migratory waterfowl. 

      What We Do

      We work to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to waterfowl, raptors and other migratory birds, furbearers, moose, caribou (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and management of the Western Arctic caribou herd), furbearers, and salmon. We also work to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats. The refuge works to provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents. Lastly, we work on water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.

      Get Involved

      So much of our work depends on volunteers, Friends, and partnerships.

      Projects and Research