Along the Colville River’s ancient sediments in the Liscomb Bone Bed (an area managed by BLM Alaska) lies a trove of fossils. Each field season, the BLM issues permits that allow qualified paleontologists and researchers to partake in limited surface collection and excavation in this area. This research adds to our understanding of Alaska’s distant past and how it relates to life elsewhere in the world long ago.

The Pribilof Islands are a group of four islands located off the coast of mainland Alaska in the Bering Sea – Saint Paul, Saint George, Otter Islet, and Walrus Islet. The islands have a combined population of about 600 people, with the population concentrated in the towns of St. Paul and St. George. The islands, which are part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, are home to numerous wildlife species such as arctic blue fox and reindeer – and in the surrounding waters: fur seals, sea lions, several species of whales, and more. The islands are especially known for the important habitat they provide for nesting seabirds who enjoy the high cliff walls and plentiful rocky formations. It is estimated that two million seabirds nest on these islands annually!