Characteristic mammalian predators include Arctic foxes throughout the Section and polar bears in the vicinity of the coast. In general, the growing season is from about June 15 to August 1. Frosts may occur in any month. Surface Water Characteristics . Lakes, ponds, and streams make up more than 20 percent of the area.
All soils are underlain by permafrost and are usually saturated throughout the summer.
Wetlands occupy over 82 percent of the area. Disturbance Regimes . Disturbance from wildfire is low. Land Use . Most development is related to oil and gas extraction.