Alascattalo Day

Alascattalo Day, observed on November 21, celebrates one of Alaska’s most amusing mythical creatures: the alascattalo, a fanciful blend of an Alaskan moose and a caribou. With the moose’s impressive size and the caribou’s distinctive antlers, this imaginary animal captures the playful spirit of northern storytelling and Alaska’s larger-than-life character.

The observance invites people to enjoy a bit of imaginative fun while appreciating the legends, humor, and creative traditions associated with the Last Frontier. On November 21, share the story of the alascattalo, learn more about Alaska’s wildlife and folklore, or simply celebrate the joy of a tall tale with family and friends.

Alascattalo Day is observed annually on **November 21** as a playful celebration of Alaska’s distinctive wildlife, humor, and cultural identity. Its central symbol is the *Alascattalo*, an imaginary creature combining features associated with several Alaskan animals—most notably the moose and the walrus. The name itself is a humorous blend that evokes Alaska and the word “scat,” reflecting the intentionally absurd character of the observance.

The idea emerged from Alaska’s tradition of exaggerating and reimagining its enormous landscapes and unusual wildlife. Moose and walruses are both strongly connected with the state: moose are familiar inland animals, while walruses inhabit Alaska’s Arctic and Bering Sea regions. By combining them into one impossible animal, the Alascattalo turns genuine elements of Alaskan natural history into a piece of folklore and visual comedy. The creature is not part of Indigenous traditional zoology or documented wildlife; rather, it belongs to the modern, humorous culture surrounding Alaska.

Over time, Alascattalo Day developed as an informal novelty observance rather than a major public holiday with a formal religious, governmental, or national origin. Its appeal comes from the way it presents Alaska as a place where large animals, dramatic scenery, and tall tales naturally invite playful storytelling. Celebrations may involve sharing jokes, drawings, crafts, or fictional descriptions of the Alascattalo, often with an emphasis on imagination rather than ceremony.

Culturally, the observance reflects a broader Alaskan appreciation for self-deprecating humor and regional identity. It invites people to celebrate the state without treating its image as solemn or conventional, while also drawing attention to the real animals that inspired the imaginary hybrid. Observed on **November 21**, Alascattalo Day is therefore best understood as a lighthearted tribute to Alaska’s wildlife, creativity, and enduring tradition of turning the extraordinary into an entertaining story.