The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, with its vast expanse of treeless lowlands, offers habitat to millions of waterfowl, including over 750,000 swans and geese, two million ducks and millions of shorebirds. Most of the delta is part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Moose, caribou, black bear, brown bear, wolves, wolverine, musk oxen, ptarmigan, grouse, ducks, geese, rabbits and more small game are also at home here. On Nunivak Island the reindeer herd is a major source of food and income for residents. The abundance of wildlife has made this region the heart of Yup'ik Eskimo culture, and people living in the 42 Eskimo villages within the refuge depend on wildlife for subsistence.
Legislation establishing the refuge allows for rural residents to continue to live off the land.
The Nunivak Island portion of the refuge supports musk oxen and reindeer, which are a source of food and income for residents. Access is by air to fishing, hunting and backcountry recreation. The visitor center for the refuge is at Bethel, where guide services are available for fishing, hunting and recreational activities. River-running options include the Andreafsky, Aniak, Holitna, Kanektok, Kisaralik, and Kuskokwim rivers. All rights reserved.