Muskoxen

Native muskoxen died out on the Arctic Refuge at the end of the 19th century after the introduction of firearms. In 1969 and 1970, 64 muskoxen were reintroduced and since then, their population has reached equilibrium with the ecosystem. These year-long coastal plain residents depend on a healthy ecosystem. Oil development can reduce access to food and disturbances can affect calving.

Garbage Makes Nuisance Animals

In other oil fields on the North Slope, mammals such as wolves, foxes and bears were quick to find the garbage being produced by oil workers. These mammals have become nuisances, breaking into vehicles and buildings to get to human food. These animals have to be destroyed. All this activity changes the balance between predator and prey in the Arctic Refuge. In particular, foxes, ravens and gulls have a tremendous impact on nesting birds.

Noise and Water Pollution Affect Whales, Seals

Bowhead and Beluga whales are found off the coast of the Arctic Refuge, along with ringed, bearded and spotted seals. Ships and low-flying aircraft significantly displace marine mammals, along with the pollution caused by ocean docks and airports. Routine pollution is harmful enough, but the situation would turn disastrous in the case of an oil spill. Ice holes concentrate spilled oil in the breathing holes of whales.

Paradox of the Arctic Fox - This cunning animal's appetites are a powerful force in Far North ecosystems. And once human beings get into the act, the fragility of those ecosystems becomes all too clear.