The R.G. White Large Animal Â鶹¹ÙÍø Station (LARS) has a broad mission to support research, education, and outreach involving Alaskan animals. We support the interests and activities of UAF scientists but we also serve scientists from other institutions and organizations in the United States and from around the world. LARS is a 130 acre facility on Yankovich Road currently housing muskoxen and reindeer but is also periodically home to other large animals. We are located on a former homestead established by Mike Yankovich in 1923. Mike turned the farm over to the University in 1963 and we had our first muskoxen arrive in 1964.
Our animals are maintained for a wide variety of research and educational projects involving reproduction, nutrition, energetics, and behavior. The research station's herds are valuable for fundamental biological research, in the validation of research planned for non-captive populations, and in teaching for biology/wildlife and vetmed students. There is also interest in further evaluating and developing the use of reindeer in Alaskan agriculture.
Our news and events
Saturday, June 6 from 10am-4pm
Join us at LARS in celebrating our muskox and reindeer calves turning 1 and the arrival of a new wood bison herd. There won’t be new calves this year (LARS didn't breed last fall as part of our herd management plan), but no need to worry, we have some fun surprises for the animals planned and will still have the younger members of our herds on display. We’ll also have family-friendly activities, local organizations, food trucks, and a qiviut (muskox wool products) raffle. Free and open to all! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking is limited, so consider taking the FREE shuttle from the Nenana lot on UAF
campus from 11am-3pm.