Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
December 2005

Wolverines, Bears and Math:
The Art and Science of Statistics

Cruising down a streamside trail on Chichagof Island, a big brown bear puts his head through a snare. The light wire breaks after snagging a clump of woolly brown hair. That bear doesn't know it, but he's been captured as far as wildlife biologist Grey Pendleton is concerned.

In Interior Alaska, a set of fresh wolverine tracks winds across a snowy slope in the calm of a clearing storm. Looking at the tracks, most people would simply infer that a wolverine passed by. But wildlife biologist ...   Bears and Math ArticleContinued

Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska
New Guide to Upland Birds

Alaska Fish and Game biologists are happy to answer questions, but sometimes there's a better way than fielding dozens of phone calls.

Information on grouse and ptarmigan has been in hot demand, said Mike Taras, an educator with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks. A biologist brought the issue to his attention.

“Tom Paragi came up to me and said, ‘Every year I get bombarded with questions about grouse and ptarmigan by small game hunters. Can we get something out ...   Alaska's Grouse ArticleContinued

Soupe de Poisson
Fish Soup

Delicious on a cold evening after a day on the trail, or a wonderful first course to a full traditional meal of several courses.


Fish Stock
5 salmon heads (frozen work great)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion
2 carrots
2 stalks of celery- (best if leaves are on the stalk)
3 stalks of fennel – fronds trimmed for bouquet garni
7 cups water
bouquet garnish of 2 bay leaves, 3 sprigs thyme, 3 springs of parsley, several sprigs of fennel fronds-tied with twine

Chop ...   Fish Soup ArticleContinued