Northwest has two otter species. River and marine otters exist. Critical species. River otters north of Mexico. Freshwater salmon live in Washington, Oregon, and BC.
50s Orcas. Family-oriented. Environment-based hunting. Whales surround and kill prey. Orcas are marine predators. Orcas hunt in the Pacific NW.
Sea lions are social and live in colonies. They cluster on buoys and piers. They swim about 30 mph. Sea lions are speedy predators.
Northwest icon. They range from Alaska to California. Pacific Northwest humpbacks are southern, northern, and transient. Hawaii-bound Alaskan humpbacks.
North America's biggest deer are elk. Roosevelt elk 700-850 pounds. 500-700 lb Rockies elk. The largest uncontrolled elk herd is in Olympic National Park.
Pacific Northwest puffins are tiny seabirds. Yellow tuft and orange beak distinguish them. These birds soar above rocky beaches. Puffins breed on Pacific islands.
Bald Eagles are the region's largest raptors. Seven-foot wingspan. The bald eagle can locate fish a mile away. When they dive for aquatic prey, they may reach 100 mph.
Washington's marmot is a ground squirrel. Cat-sized ground squirrels. Marmots dwell in burrows. They're social, playing and talking. They eat largely vegetation, especially flowers.
Pacific Northwest grey foxes are common. They compete for food with coyotes, wolves, bears, and other predators. Gray foxes are shy nocturnal hunters.