Wrangel Island National Park

Wrangel Island Overview

Wrangel Island National Park, known as Национальный парк Остров Врангеля in Russian, is a remote and pristine protected area located in the Arctic Ocean, off the coast of northeastern Russia.

Covering approximately 8,750 square miles (22,654 square kilometers), this vast and rugged park encompasses Wrangel Island, Herald Island, and surrounding waters. It is part of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and holds a reputation as one of the most ecologically significant regions of the Arctic, due to its remarkable biodiversity and unique geological history.

The park’s terrain is characterized by rolling tundra, rugged mountains, and vast coastal plains that remain covered in permafrost throughout the year. Wrangel Island’s highest peak, Sovetskaya Mountain, reaches about 3,596 feet (1,096 meters), offering dramatic views over the icy landscape.

The island’s numerous rivers and lakes add to its diverse ecosystems, while the coastline features towering cliffs, pebbled shores, and sandy spits that provide critical habitats for Arctic wildlife.

Despite the harsh conditions, Wrangel Island boasts a surprising richness of vegetation, with more than 400 plant species adapted to the tundra environment, including mosses, lichens, dwarf willows, and Arctic poppies.

Wrangel Island is often called the “Polar Bear Maternity Ward” due to its status as the world’s most significant denning site for polar bears. Each year, hundreds of female bears come to the island to give birth, making it one of the best places on Earth to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

The island is also home to one of the largest populations of Pacific walruses, which haul out on the rocky shores in massive numbers. Other notable mammals include Arctic foxes, lemmings, and reindeer, while gray whales and bowhead whales are commonly seen in the surrounding waters. The park is a vital stopover for migratory birds, hosting over 100 species, including snow geese, snowy owls, and eiders, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Wrangel Island National Park is its history as one of the last refuges of woolly mammoths, which survived here until around 4,000 years ago, long after their extinction elsewhere.

The island’s prehistoric past adds a layer of intrigue to its already extraordinary natural setting. Visitors to the park can explore this unique history, as well as the remains of ancient human settlements left behind by Indigenous Chukchi people and early explorers.

Due to its remote location and strict conservation efforts, Wrangel Island sees very limited tourism. Most visitors arrive via guided expedition cruises, which allow for wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking under the supervision of park rangers. Scientific research is a major focus of the park, with ongoing studies on climate change, Arctic ecology, and wildlife populations.

The park’s strict protections have helped preserve its fragile ecosystems, though climate change and poaching remain ongoing challenges. Rising temperatures are impacting sea ice levels, which in turn affects the island’s polar bear and walrus populations, while illegal hunting and human activity continue to pose threats despite conservation efforts.

Wrangel Island National Park remains one of the most remote and untouched Arctic wilderness areas on the planet. Its rugged beauty, incredible wildlife, and deep ecological significance make it an unparalleled destination for scientists, conservationists, and adventurous travelers seeking to experience one of the world’s last great natural frontiers.

Park Map

Wrangel Island National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The Wrangel Island National Park is a globally significant bird habitat, supporting numerous Arctic-nesting species. The island serves as an important breeding ground for migratory birds and seabirds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
One of the most striking birds in the Arctic, the snowy owl hunts lemmings, hares, and small birds across the tundra. Its white plumage provides excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes.

Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea)
A true Arctic seabird, the ivory gull is almost entirely white and feeds on fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion left behind by polar bears.

Ross’s Gull (Rhodostethia rosea)
A rare and beautiful gull, Ross’s gull breeds on Wrangel Island’s tundra and is known for its soft pinkish hue and graceful flight.

Little Auk (Alle alle)
One of the most abundant seabirds in the Arctic, the little auk nests in huge colonies on cliffs and forages for plankton in icy waters.

Brant Goose (Branta bernicla nigricans)
A migratory goose species, the brant goose breeds on Wrangel Island before migrating south for the winter.

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
A hardy seabird that thrives in extreme Arctic conditions, the northern fulmar glides over the ocean, feeding on fish, squid, and marine debris.

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
A graceful seabird with a distinctive call, the black-legged kittiwake nests on cliffs and forages for fish near the ice edge.

Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini)
This strikingly patterned gull migrates long distances and nests on the island’s tundra during the summer months.

Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)
A bold and aggressive seabird, the pomarine skua is known for stealing food from other birds and hunting small mammals and eggs.

Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)
A large and elegant waterfowl species, the tundra swan breeds in Wrangel Island’s wetlands before migrating south for winter.

Wrangel Island National Park remains one of the most pristine and ecologically significant protected areas in the Arctic, providing a vital refuge for rare and endangered species in a rapidly changing climate.

The Wrangel Island National Park, located in the Arctic Ocean in northeastern Russia, is one of the most remote and ecologically significant nature reserves in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its tundra landscapes, vast ice fields, and its role as a critical breeding ground for Arctic wildlife. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Wrangel Island National Park.

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
The apex predator of the Arctic, Wrangel Island is one of the world’s most important denning sites for polar bears. These massive carnivores rely on sea ice to hunt seals.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Perfectly adapted to the frigid Arctic climate, the Arctic fox changes its fur color from white in winter to brownish-gray in summer to blend into the tundra.

Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus)
A relic of the Ice Age, the musk ox is a large, shaggy-coated herbivore that thrives in Wrangel Island’s harsh tundra environment, feeding on grasses and mosses.

Lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)
A vital part of the Arctic food chain, these small rodents are an important food source for Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and other predators.

Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)
These massive marine mammals haul out in large numbers along the island’s coastlines. They use their long tusks to break through ice and forage for clams and mollusks on the sea floor.

Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Wrangel Island lies along the migratory route of the Eastern North Pacific gray whale, which passes the island’s coastal waters each summer to feed in the rich Arctic seas.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A powerful and solitary scavenger, the wolverine is well adapted to the harsh Arctic tundra, feeding on carrion and small mammals.

Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
A primary prey species for polar bears, the bearded seal thrives in the frigid waters around Wrangel Island, using its long whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor.

Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola)
A hardy species of wild sheep, the snow sheep inhabits Wrangel Island’s rocky outcrops, where it feeds on lichens, mosses, and tundra vegetation.

Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii)
One of the few small mammals found on Wrangel Island, the Arctic ground squirrel hibernates for much of the year and emerges in summer to feed on berries and grasses.