About Alaska Wildlife

About Alaska Wildlife

grizzly bear image by Mat Hayward from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska possesses one of the smallest lists of endangered and threatened wildlife in the United States. The state's geographic location and lack of human population contributes to this so that many species of animals flourish in Alaska.

Types

A bald eagle perches on a tree branch.
eagle,bald eagle,beak,natural,attitude,tampa,flori image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com

Common mammals in Alaska that are rare elsewhere in the United States include the lynx, pine marten, wolverine, grizzly bear, peregrine falcon, loon and bald eagle.

Considerations

The possibility of encountering a bear in Alaska is very real for hikers and backpackers. You should not approach bears and you should make every effort to avoid surprising them. If you do meet up with a bear on a trail, never run from it. Running stimulates the bear's predatory instincts, causing it to chase you.

Bird Watching

Alaska offers a program known as "Wings Over Alaska" designed to promote bird watching of the state's 471 documented species. The state issues certificates based on the number of birds you identify, with the highest level's certificate signed Alaska's governor.

Warning

The moose can be aggressive toward humans.
young moose image by Chris Bibbo from Fotolia.com

The moose is a large hoofed mammal capable of aggressive behavior toward humans and dogs. A moose preparing to charge you will have its ears in a laid-back posture and the hair on its hump will rise as it begins to walk towards you.

History

The spectacled cormorant was an Alaskan seabird first described by the naturalist named George Stellar in 1741. The large and almost flightless species was extinct by 1850 because of hunting for its meat and its plumage.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

Write for Trails.com
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