Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes in the United States. It covers almost a million acres of land on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, and it protects a variety of ecosystems, from alpine mountains and glaciers to temperate rainforests and coastline. Here are some interesting facts about the animals that live in this amazing park:
1. Diverse Bird Species
Olympic National Park is home to more than 300 species of birds, including some that are threatened or endangered, such as the northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet, and the short-tailed albatross. Some of the birds that can be seen in the park are bald eagles, peregrine falcons, harlequin ducks, and rhinoceros auklets. The varied ecosystems, from forests to wetlands to coastal shores, offer a range of habitats that cater to a diverse avian population.
Northern spotted owl. Photo: wfpa.org
2. Marine Mammals in Coastal Waters
The park also hosts a rich diversity of marine life, such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and sea otters. These animals can be observed from the shore or on boat tours. Some of the marine mammals that frequent the park are gray whales, orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, Steller sea lions, and northern elephant seals. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for visitors exploring the park's coastal regions.
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
3. Marmots and Their Hibernation Lifestyle
One of the most unique animals in the park is the Olympic marmot, which is found only in the high elevation meadows of the Olympic Mountains. These large rodents are social and vocal, and they often whistle to warn each other of predators or intruders. They hibernate for more than half of the year in burrows under the snow. Their pudgy appearances are the result of stockpiling body fat before going into hibernation, allowing them to endure months without food.
Olympic marmot. Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com
4. Snow Mole
Another endemic animal in the park is the Olympic snow mole, which is also found only in the Olympic Mountains. This small mammal is adapted to live in cold and snowy environments, and it has a long snout, small eyes, and large front claws for digging. It feeds on insects, worms, and plant roots under the snow.
Snow mole. Photo: Internet
5. Rare predators
The park is also a refuge for some rare and elusive animals, such as cougars, black bears, fishers, lynx, and wolverines. These predators require large areas of undisturbed habitat to survive and hunt. They are seldom seen by humans, but they leave behind tracks, scat, and other signs of their presence.
Moutain Lion or cougars. Photo: mortonsonthemove.com
6. Elk Herds and Their Unique Vocalizations:
Olympic National Park is known for its robust elk populations, and the Roosevelt elk, in particular, is a standout. These majestic creatures communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including bugling during the mating season. The eerie bugling sound can be heard echoing through the park's valleys, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the area.
Roosevelt Elk. Photo: dungenessrivercenter.org
7. Tree-Dwelling Arboreal Salamanders
The park's lush forests are inhabited by a unique species of amphibian called the Olympic torrent salamander. Unlike most salamanders that live in or near water, these creatures have adapted to life in the trees. They are capable of climbing and even reproducing high above the forest floor, making them a fascinating example of adaptation to their environment.
Olympic Torrent salamander. Photo: inaturalist.org
Watch more: Releasing Fishers in Olympic National Park