Punuk Islands facts for kids

Photo, taken in 1977, of skulls washed up on the beach on the Punuk Islands. The photographer noted that this was a common occurrence there.

The Punuk Islands are a small group of three islands. They are located in the Bering Sea, which is a part of the Pacific Ocean. These islands are found near the eastern end of St. Lawrence Island.

Where Are the Punuk Islands?

The Punuk Islands are quite remote. They are about 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) southeast of a place called Cape Apavawook. They are also about 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of Niyghapak Point. These islands are part of Alaska, a state in the United States.

How the Islands Got Their Name

The name "Punuk Islands" comes from the Siberian Yupik language. A Russian naval captain named Mikhail Tebenkov recorded this name in 1849. He was working for the Imperial Russian Navy at the time. Sometimes, you might also hear these islands called "Pinik Islands" or "Poongook Islands."

Amazing Wildlife of Punuk Islands

The Punuk Islands are a special home for many animals. They are a natural habitat for large numbers of walruses. Walruses are big marine mammals known for their long tusks. Many different types of seabirds also live and nest on these islands.

The Punuk Tundra Vole

A unique animal found here is the Tundra Vole. This small rodent lives in the tundra areas. The Tundra Voles on the Punuk Islands are very special. They belong to their own unique subspecies. This means they are a distinct group of Tundra Voles found only on these islands. Their scientific name is Microtus oeconomus punukensis.

Discovering Ancient History

The Punuk Islands are important for their ancient history. An archaeologist named Otto W. Geist made a big discovery here. In 1931, he found an important archaeological site. This site is called the Okvik site. It is linked to an ancient culture known as the Punuk culture.

What Was Found at the Okvik Site?

Otto Geist and another researcher, Ivar Skarland, dug at the site in 1934. They found many interesting artifacts. These items were made from fossilized walrus ivory. Many of these ancient treasures are now kept at the University of Alaska. They help us learn about the people who lived on these islands long ago.

See also

In Spanish: Islas Punuk para niños