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Meet The 10 Most Popular Animals Of Alaska

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

Gray Wolf
Gray wolves are considered a keystone species, meaning they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. Image by Robert Larsson via Unsplash

Ever wondered what the most popular animals are in all of Alaska? Now is your time to have the answer revealed. I have been pretty curious myself. So let’s jump right in together!

#1 Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)

Grizzly
Grizzly bears are excellent swimmers and are known to traverse long distances across bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, in search of food or suitable habitat. Image via Pexels.

Grizzly Bears, also known as brown bears, are iconic residents of Alaska’s forests, mountains, and coastal regions, known for their large size and formidable presence.

#2 Moose (Alces alces)

Moose in Velvet in Northern Newfoundland Image via Depositphotos

Moose are the largest members of the deer family and are commonly found in Alaska’s forests, wetlands, and tundra regions, where they feed on aquatic plants and shrubs.

#3 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bald eagle
Bald eagles build some of the largest nests of any bird species, often reaching up to 10 feet in diameter and weighing hundreds of pounds. Image by Andreas Barth via Pexels

Bald Eagles are widespread in Alaska and are known for their striking white head and tail feathers, often spotted near bodies of water where they hunt for fish.

#4 Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)

Salmon
Pacific salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater rivers and streams. Image generated by Animals Around the Globe using DALL-E

Various species of Pacific Salmon, including Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, and Pink Salmon, are vital to Alaska’s ecosystem and are famous for their annual migrations to spawn in rivers and streams.

#5 Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)

dall sheep
all sheep have specialized concave hooves that provide traction on rocky terrain, allowing them to traverse steep cliffs and rocky slopes with ease. Image by Rollstein via Pixabay

Fifth on our list of most popular animals in all of Alaska is the Dall Sheep. They are native to Alaska’s mountainous regions, known for their white fur and impressive curved horns, which are prized by wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike.

#6 Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

caribou
Caribou undertake one of the longest land migrations of any mammal, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between their winter and summer ranges each year. Image by Thomas Lefebvre via Unsplash

Caribou, also known as reindeer in other parts of the world, are well-adapted to Alaska’s Arctic and subarctic environments, where they undertake epic migrations in search of food and suitable habitat.

#7 Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)

gray wolf
Gray wolves are highly social animals that live and hunt in packs, relying on cooperation and coordination to bring down large prey such as moose or caribou. Image by Lucie via Unsplash

Gray Wolves are native to Alaska and play a crucial role in the state’s ecosystems as top predators, hunting for prey such as moose, caribou, and smaller mammals.

#8 Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Massive humpback whale breaching. Image by GUDKOVANDREY via Depositphotos

Humpback Whales are commonly spotted in Alaska’s coastal waters during the summer months, where they come to feed on schools of fish and perform spectacular breaching displays.

#9 Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Otterly Amazing: Tilly's Aquatic Lessons for Her Pup
Sea otters are one of the few known tool-using marine mammals. Image by Luke Seago via Pexels

Sea Otters are found along Alaska’s coastlines. This is where they play a vital role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems by controlling populations of sea urchins.

#10 Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)

arctic fox
An arctic fox fox yawning in the cold weather. Image via Depositphotos

Arctic Foxes are well-adapted to Alaska’s harsh Arctic environments. Furthermore, with thick fur coats and bushy tails that help them survive in cold temperatures and snowy conditions.

gray wolf
Gray wolves exhibit complex social structures within their packs. Image via Milo Weiler via Unsplash

In conclusion, these are the most googled animals in Alaska. Furthermore, I have never heard of a Gila Monster before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Alaska soon to see one for myself! If you think there should’ve been another more googled animal in the top 10, please feel free to let us know in the comments. Can’t wait to hear from you!

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