Sled dog puppies at Denali National Park and Preserve have captured hearts once again—and now fans from all over the world can watch their early adventures in real-time thanks to the park’s newly reactivated Puppy Cam, National Park Service (NPS) officials announced Thursday.
This year’s litter, affectionately nicknamed the “Weather Litter,” was born at the park’s historic Denali Sled Dog Kennels on May 3. The five fuzzy Alaskan husky pups—two females named Squall and Storm, and three males named Graupel, Dew, and Fog—are already delighting viewers as they grow, tumble, and nurse under the gentle care of their mom, Merlyn.
Park officials revealed that the pups’ weather-themed names are a tribute to the many dramatic and diverse ways that water shapes our weather. But the naming convention carries a deeper meaning this year: it honors a 100-year partnership between the National Weather Service (NWS) and Denali’s sled dog teams. For generations, mushing rangers in the park have braved Alaskan winters to collect and report valuable weather data to the agency—just one of the many essential tasks these dogs help carry out.
The Denali Sled Dog Kennels, a true icon within the National Park Service, has been operating for more than a century. In fact, it’s not only the oldest kennel in the NPS but the only sled dog kennel managed by the U.S. federal government. According to the NPS, these remarkable dogs are crucial to the mission of preserving Denali’s wild, often inaccessible terrain, especially during the long, snow-packed winters when traditional vehicles can’t reach remote areas.
“This special group of dogs is tasked with preserving unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” the NPS explains on its website.
Breeding the perfect Denali sled dog is a careful and deliberate process. Each year, rangers evaluate physical and behavioral traits to ensure the litters will be well-suited for the harsh Arctic conditions. Physically, puppies with long legs are favored for deep snow travel, compact paws help prevent ice buildup between their toes, and thick coats paired with bushy tails are essential for staying warm. But perhaps even more important are traits like tenacity, a passion for pulling, a strong team-oriented spirit, and an innate sociability to engage with the thousands of summer visitors who tour the kennels.
The Weather Litter seems to be off to a promising start, not just because of their early energy and health, but also due to the legacy of their lineage.
Their mother, Merlyn, comes from a distinguished line herself—her litter was named in honor of 9/11 Search and Rescue dogs. Known for her sweet temperament and quiet strength, Merlyn has proven to be a capable lead dog and a nurturing presence on her team. Park staff note she is also one of the rare dogs that “smiles with teeth,” a unique trait that’s become part of her charm.
The puppies’ father, Drumlin, comes from a reputable kennel located in Lake Minchumina, just north of Denali. His strong working background and solid genetics make him a valued addition to the park’s breeding program.
Viewers tuning in to the Puppy Cam can now watch the Weather Litter begin their journey, from wobbly first steps to early howls and playful pounces. In just a few short months, they’ll start the basic training needed to prepare them for the park’s winter missions. But for now, their job is to be adorable—and that, they’re doing flawlessly.
Whether you’re a long-time sled dog fan or simply a lover of cute puppies, these five new additions to the Denali family are a joy to behold and a reminder of the incredible legacy these animals carry forward with each new generation.