Unfamiliar insect found near Potters Marsh, identified as a red velvet mite (family Trombidiidae).
Observation by Adrienne Fleek:
Has the LEO Network seen this bug before?? George Pappas from FWS spotted this critter last weekend I believe at his place by Potter's Marsh. Posted by Adrienne Fleek with permission.
Jessie Moan with the UAF Cooperative Extension, writes:
This is a velvet mite. Velvet mites are predators or parasites of insects or other small arthropods.
Comments from LEO Editors:
Mites belong to the class Arachnida along with spiders and ticks. The velvet mite (family Thrombidiidae) grow to about 5mm long, and are larger than other mite species. Velvet mites are harmless to humans and pets, and feed on other invertebrates and their eggs. They are often found in dry areas around soil litter, plan leaves and decaying wood, moving to more visible areas after rainfall. The are a native species to Alaska. Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension and University of Milwaukee Erica Lujan
Observations From Members 
Trombidiidae