Observation: I have never seen a wasp this early and so aggressive. Lived here since 1964. The wasp came at me and two friends.
LEO says: Alaska's primary pollinators are native bumble bees, sweat bees andrenid bees, wasps and moths according to the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service, an Introduction to Alaska Insects Pollinators. The USFWS, Alaska Pollinators provides a guide. These look like wasp hives. A warm winter is one factor related to the number of wasps during the summer. This because warmer conditions (or lots of insulating snow) are thought to help hibernating queens survive the winter. For more information about the connections between climate change, wasp numbers and insect stings in Alaska, see this article by Dr. Jeffery Demain.
Related: A September 2014 post out-of Koliganek talks of the increased number of hives seen in and around the village. Jessie Moan (UAF) mentions that there are a variety of factors that come into play as to why there are more wasp nests than normal this year.
Resources:
Cooperative Extension Service: Stinging Insects, "Alaska’s mild summer weather means pleasant activities for most people, but for some it means fighting troublesome insects. Sucking and biting insects, such as mosquitoes and gnats, are an integral part of summer outdoor activities for most Alaskans." by Gino Graziano, Extension Invasive Plants Instructor. ©2012 University of Alaska Fairbanks
