Volcanologists have documented more than 200 volcanic eruptions throughout the State. Service biologists point out that in some cases volcanoes provide benefits for wildlife. Becharof Refuge Manager Hood has seen both caribou and bears enjoying the snowy heights of the Mount Peulik volcano. I've seen bears go up there in August when its hot. They'll dig holes in the snow and climb in to cool off.
Caribou go up there to get away from the insects.
Service biologist Ed Bailey points out that one of the largest auklet populations in the world lives on hardened lava flows on Kiska Island, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife refuge. Since the first national wildlife refuge was established 90 years ago at Pelican Island, Fla., more than 500 refuges comprising more than 90 million acres have been designated throughout the country. Alaska's 16 national wildlife refuges, only two of which are accessible by road, encompass more than 77 million acres of land. These refuges support some of the world's richest wildlife resources ranging from the its largest brown bears, sea birds, polar bears, walrus, caribou, wolves, waterfowl and several endangered species. In addition, they encompass thousands of rivers, lakes, glaciers, and almost 100 volcanoes.