Six Alaskan Animals You Never Thought You’d See

by | 3 Feb 2022

There’s more to Alaska’s natural beauty than mountains, forests and glaciers. Hiding within these habitats are some of the world’s most incredible animals. From giant grizzlies to screeching eagles, every inch of the “Last Frontier” is alive with species rarely seen elsewhere. Here, we’ve picked out six Alaskan animals that will stop you in your tracks and force you to catch your breath…

Bald Eagles

Alaska is home to the largest population of bald eagles in the world. Approximately 50,000 birds are living across the state. The bald eagle is instantly identifiable with striking features. Their vast wingspan is over two meters in length and they have a distinct white head. They are also well known as the national animal of America, appearing on the state’s seals.

Alaska Animals

Bald Eagle © iStock/USO

Grizzlies

There are three kinds of bears in Alaska, black bears, brown bears and grizzly bears, and polar bears. And the biggest, most awe-inspiring of these is undoubtedly the the grizzly bear. This magnificent Alaskan animal can be most often found merrily chomping on berries, salmon, roots. They do however sometimes feed on moose and caribou. Grizzlies tend to be isolated creatures. If you want to see them in greater numbers, try to find one of their favorite spots. Top places are a patch for salmon fishing or a tree that’s perfect for back-rubbing!

Alaska Animals

Group of Brown Bears © iStock/davidkl

Caribou

Caribou don’t just find strength in numbers, they find comfort in staggeringly large numbers. Herds can be found spread across the colder climes of North America and can number between 250,000 to 500,000. If you want to see them in the summer, it’s a good idea to journey to the chillier parts of Alaska. This is because caribou don’t like the insects that come with hotter weather, and will avoid them if possible.

Alaska Animals

Alaska Caribou © iStock/sarkophoto

Grey Wolf

More often seen than heard the Grey Wolf is one of the more elusive Alaskan animals for wildlife watchers. Listen out for their haunting howls at sunset and dawn. The ancestor of our domesticated dog, wolves hunt in packs to catch deer, moose, reindeer and others. Grey wolves can cover over 50 miles in one day. Don’t be surprised if you see a female bossing a pack around; with wolves, both genders produce an ‘alpha’.

Alaska Animals

Wolves in Wildlife © iStock/4FFR

Whales

Humpback, Grey and Minke whales all swim within a stone’s throw of the Alaskan coastline. Arguably the most magnificent Alaskan animals, they can grow to over 33 tons. You can spot them when they come up for air every 10-40 minutes. If you see a twitch of white above the foam, you may have spotted one of the Beluga variety. Marked out by their small size and prominent foreheads, these vocal mammals can often be seen playing alongside sea lions, seals and fish.

Alaska Animals

Humpback Whale © iStock/vladsilver

Lynx

The Lynx is a very quiet, solitary creature. Alaskans only tend to see them in springtime, when the mothers are having to hunt and care for their playful kittens. They are graceful animals, resembling a large bobcat with longer legs and ears. The lynx spends much of its time chasing down local snowshoe hares, mice and birds to eat. Special to Alaska because they are the only cat species native to the state, they’re also – unusually for a cat species – quite fond of swimming.

Alaska Animals

Lynx in Winter Forest © iStock/kjekol

Mesmerized by Alaska’s wildlife?

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Starting in Anchorage, explore the wild and wonderful Alaskan wilderness on this 7-Day premium guided tour. As well as looking out for wildlife, you will meet fascinating people every step of the way. Why not travel in style, enjoy breath taking scenery and learn about the nature and traditions of the country?

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre and ride a jet boat along the Chulitna River to a trapper’s cabin. Meet with the champion dog team of a four-time Iditarod winner. Enjoy a tasty lunch at his home and listen to tales of theis famous 1,049-mile dogsled race. Take a 100-mile boat tour of Prince William Sound and ride on the world-famous, glass-domed Alaskan Railroad toward Denali National Park, and admire the country’s tallest peak, the magnificent Mount McKinley.

Visit our website to discover our full range of worldwide premium guided tours.

Alex is the Editor of Insightful, and has over 10 years' experience as a writer and editor within the travel industry. In his professional travels, he has been all over the world – from road-tripping in Australia and New Zealand, to eating his way around the Canadian Maritimes and criss-crossing Italy from Sardinia to Emilia-Romagna.

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