At play where the midnight sun holds court
When it comes to trapping, there are a few animals that quickly come to mind. One is wolves, which are iconic among wild animals, are sought after by trappers for their prized pelts and draw the support of those against the practice of trapping. Another is the beaver, the animal that brought men to the … Read more
I often hear negative opinions* on trapping whenever the topic is brought up with someone from outside the northern regions (Alaska and Canada). Living in the wilderness offers a lifestyle where one sees the direct result of their actions and bears the consequences, both positive and negative. Animals are killed by those consuming them, wood … Read more
“Sik rik.” The noise is something anyone will encounter who treks through rocky terrain of Northern Alaska. It is the call of the Arctic Ground Squirrel, or the sikrik as named by the Inupiat after its call. The ground squirrel is a small mammal, often no more than two pounds in mass. Despite their small … Read more
The following is a work of fiction Snow clung onto the spruce trees. The ground was a blank canvas, without evidence of a track or the slightest disturbance on its surface. Over the past two days, snow had fallen continuously, blanketing the area with a foot and a half of fresh snow. Trails and tracks … Read more
Since humans have arrived in Alaska, they have trapped animals. For much of that time period, native Athabaskan and Inupiats lived in small groups and used methods with natural materials that evolved over time. In many cases, trapping was often a necessity. In northern regions of Alaska, where brush and vegetation is minimal, animals can … Read more