When you hike up Tanq’ Nunst'in (Tanalian Mountain) on a clear day, you’re rewarded with the splendor of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska. This photo shows a stunning scene of bright blue skies over the shimmering water of Qenlghishi Vena, or Kontrashibuna Lake. Moss campion, the purple wildflower pictured, blankets alpine areas with vibrant charm. Take a rest here and sit with the beauty of the magnificent overlook. 

Photo by P. Gabriel, National Park Service.

Be the boo. 

A lone caribou stands alone at Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Photo by  Nathan Luebbe (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Why is this glacier ice at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska blue?

Glacier ice is blue because the red (long wavelengths) part of white light is absorbed by ice. The blue (short wavelengths) light is transmitted and scattered. The longer the path that light travels in ice, the more blue it appears! The more you know 🌈 🎵

Photo by National Park Service. Photo description: A blue iceberg sits in the water with a large glacier and mountains in the background. 

Is this an:

A. Short-tailed weasel
B. Ermine
C. Stoat  

If you answered all three, you win! Their names are interchangeable, but one thing remains the same, these pint-sized carnivores are highly resourceful, courageous, agile and excellent rodent control experts. Photo of stoat by National Park Service

We’re green with envy about this White Mountains National Recreation Area aurora borealis light show. Just an hour’s drive north of Fairbanks, this @mypubliclands managed recreation area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude and can be an ideal place to camp under the “midnight sun” or in this case, the midnight green. 

The omnivorous coastal brown bear has approximately 42 teeth: large predatory teeth for shredding and molars for grinding. In Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, a bear’s diet during the summer consists primarily of salmon with the addition of sedge grasses and berries. Take it from these two and check your teeth after every meal! Happy National Dentist’s Day! Photo of by Taylor Albright (ShareTheExperience.org).

Warmest, or should we say, coldest wishes to you on this International #PolarBearDay. Did you know that the US Geological Survey (USGS) leads long–term research on polar bears to help policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat? Information on the status of polar bear populations is important in order to better manage these top predators. Photo at Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska by Randy Dykstra (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Time on public lands means even more when you’re with your significant otter. Fun fact: river otters live a mostly solitary life until late #winter, when they partner up for a bit – making this pair a rare sight at Kenai #NationalWildlifeRefuge in #Alaska. 💕 Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (@USFWS). #love #usinterior #HappyValentinesDay #Vday #RecreateResponsibly 

‘Tis the season to be jolly in the presence of twinkling lights. Dark winter nights, though cold and long, give us more time with the stars. Or in this case, a chance to witness the captivating sway and shimmer of Aurora Borealis at Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The waves of color come from bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields as they interact with elements in the Earth’s atmosphere. Northern lights happen all year long, but we need darkness to see them. It’s a reminder that we all live in a universe full of bright objects. If you’re going out to photograph or admire the night sky on public lands, dress warmly, check the website for current conditions and be sure to come back and tell us about it! Photograph by Keith Ramos, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Check out these helpful astrophotography tips for night owls.