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Sitka National Historical ParkSchool children enjoy a field trip to the park's beach.
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Sitka National Historical Park
Mammals
 
Sitka black tailed deer
Approximately 30 species of marine and land mammals are believed to inhabit the area in and around Sitka National Historical Park. Sitka black tailed deer are occasionally seen in the park.
 
Mammal species such as shrews, mice, voles, red tree squirrels, mink, and river otters inhabit the park. Brown bears occupy the Indian River drainage and occasionally enter the park, often at the beginning of the salmon runs. Sitka blacktail deer also occasionally enter and forage in the park but are discouraged from doing so because of the development and human activity around the park. However, visitors observed the birth of a fawn on the morning of June 3, 1999 at the fort site.

Marine mammal species don't live within the park, however many species are observed in nearby waters.  Humpback whales, steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, killer whales, gray whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoises, Dall's porpoises, and northern elephant seals have been sighted near the park.

Threatened or Endangered Species
No endangered or threatened mammal species is known to inhabit the park. The endangered humpback whale and the threatened Steller sea lion are commonly sighted in marine waters around Sitka.

Bird on tree
Birds
Learn about the birds in the Sitka Area
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Photograph of downtown Sitka  

Did You Know?
The City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska encompasses 4,710 square miles, making it the largest city in the United States.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 20:14 EST