Ground water throughout the area is limited, but some is present in the major river valleys. Surface water on the Seward Peninsula ceases to flow in winter, but further south it flows year-round. Permafrost is continuous under most of the area. Upland and coastal areas support brown and black bear, wolf, wolverine, coyote, caribou, reindeer, snowshoe hare, red fox, lynx, beaver, moose, squirrels, mice, weasel, mink, and marten. Along the northern Bering Sea coast, polar bear, walrus, and arctic fox are occasionally found.
Coastal areas provide extensive and excellent habitat for migrating waterfowl and shore birds.
Other bird species in the area include ospreys, falcons, grouse, ravens, golden eagles, and various hawks and owls.