Pinks are unique in that they have a short, two-year lifespan. They are found in streams and rivers from California north to the Mackenzie River, with their principal spawning areas between Puget Sound, Washington, and Bristol Bay, Alaska. Pinks migrate to their home stream from July to October, and while some go a considerable distance upstream, the majority spawns close to the sea. Young Pink fry enter the ocean immediately after they emerge from the gravel in the spring. After a few days to several months in the estuary and near-shore zone, they move out into the open ocean in large schools. Despite their short life and small size, the migrations of Pink salmon are extensive, covering thousands of kilometres from their home streams. While feeding and maturing, Pinks are dispersed throughout the Pacific Ocean from northern California to the Bering Sea. During fall and winter, they spend more time in the southern parts of their range.