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San Juan Island National Historical ParkBelle Vue Sheep Farm in September 1859
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San Juan Island National Historical Park
Animals
 
Columbian blacktail deer at American Camp
Mandy Lee Photo
The Columbian blacktail deer (odocoileus hemionus columbianus) is the largest land mammal in the San Juan Islands and prolific throughout the park.

Because of environmental and topographical contrasts on San Juan Island, you’ll find a surprising variety of wildlife here: Large marine mammals such as Orca whales, Dall’s porpoises and Pacific Harbor seals; terrestrial mammals such as red fox and Columbia blacktail deer; bats; reptiles; amphibians; more than 200 species of birds; 32 species of butterflies; 200 species of fish; and hundreds of species of marine invertebrates. Many species reside at San Juan Island NHP or in its surrounding waters year around, some are summer or winter residents, and others visit the island to rest and feed during seasonal migrations.

Island biogeography explains why there are fewer species of animals on San Juan Island than on the neighboring mainland: they must find a way to cross seven to 20-miles stretches of open water or vast expanses of open sky.

Not all animal species are native. Some, such as the red fox, European rabbit, and Norway rat, were introduced to the island by humans, which changed the island’s natural balance. The future of all these species is intricately tied to the environmental health of the land, water, and air of San Juan Island National Historical Park, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Georgia, Haro, and beyond.

http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/nccn/SpeciesSelect.cfm

Eagle feeding young.
Bird Checklist
San Juan Island NHP's bird checklist reflects the wide range of species passing through each year.
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Island Marble Butterfly
Island Marble Butterfly
View the Conservation Agreement and Strategy for this rare butterfly
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Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
James Alden, commander of the USCS Steamer Active, carried dispatches during the Pig War crisis. During the Battle of Mobile Bay he led the Union fleet into the harbor until stalled by Confederate mines. That's when Admiral David G. Farragut shouted "Damn the torpedoes..."

Last Updated: November 19, 2009 at 16:52 EST