St. Matthew Island is an uninhabited island in the Bering Sea, 183 miles west-northwest of Nunivak Island. Part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, it is known for its seabird colonies and for a reindeer herd that grew to about 6,000 and then collapsed.[1]
| Area | 137.857 sq mi |
|---|---|
| Length | 31.7 mi |
| Highest point | 1,476 ft |
| Reindeer introduced | 1944, 29 animals |
Refuge
The island is part of the Bering Sea unit of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and is designated Bering Sea Wilderness. Its habitat supports over 5 million nesting seabirds.[1]
Reindeer
In 1944 the U.S. Coast Guard introduced 29 reindeer as an emergency food source. The herd grew to about 6,000 by 1963 and then fell to 42 animals within two years. A study linked the crash to limited food and the severe 1963–1964 winter, and the reindeer were gone by the 1980s.[1]
History
A Russian-American Company group led by Demid Kulikalov made the first recorded settlement attempt in 1809. The Coast Guard operated a LORAN transmitter station there in the 1940s.[1]
FAQs
Is St. Matthew Island inhabited? No.
What happened to its reindeer? The herd crashed after 1963 and was gone by the 1980s.
What protects it? The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Sources
Key facts
- 5 million seabirds
- 29 reindeer in 1944
- Bering Sea Wilderness
Quick checkInhabited?Show answer
No.
Sources
- Wikipedia. St. Matthew Island. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue