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Top 21 Animals in The State of Alaska

Top 21 Animals of the state of Alaska

Alaska consists of various ecosystems and habitats. Below follows a list of the top 21 animals found in the Alaskan state.

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly
Grizzly bear. Image by Simon Hurry via Pexels.

Renowned for their size and strength, grizzly bears are a symbol of the Alaskan wilderness.

Polar Bear

baby polar bear
Image by Hans Jurgen via Unsplash

The world’s largest land carnivore, found primarily along Alaska’s Arctic coast.

Moose

moose
Moose Bull. Image by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Moose_bull.jpg

The largest species in the deer family, moose are common in Alaska’s forests and wetlands.

Reindeer

Strolling Reindeer
By Alexandre Buisse (Nattfodd) – self-made (https://www.alexbuisse.com/), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2625968

Known for their annual migrations, caribou are vital to Indigenous cultures and ecosystems.

Wolverine

Wolverine standing on a rock with vegetaion in the background. Image from depositphotos.com

A powerful and elusive predator known for its strength and ferocity.

Bald Eagle

bald eagle national animal of the U.S.
Image by stacyvitallo via Pixabay

America’s national bird, often seen soaring above Alaskan waters.

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute. Image via depositphotos.

A native sled dog breed known for its strength and endurance.

Gray Wolf

mexican gray wolf
Image by donfink via Depositphotos

Predators that play a key role in maintaining the health of wildlife populations.

Lynx

lynx
Image by Federico Di Dio photography via Unsplash.

These medium-sized cats are adapted to snowy environments, preying mainly on snowshoe hares.

Dall Sheep

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

Known for their impressive curved horns, Dall sheep inhabit the state’s mountain ranges.

Orca

orca
Image of a Wild Orca via Pexels

Apex predators of the ocean, orcas are often seen in Alaskan waters.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whale breaching
Humpback whale breaching. Image via Deposit Photos

Known for their spectacular breaching and vocalizations during their migrations.

Sea Otter

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) preening itself in Morro Bay.
Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) preening itself in Morro Bay. By “Mike” Michael L. Baird, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3101074

A key species in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems, found along the coast.

Steller Sea Lion

Steller Sea Lion
Steller Sea Lion. By Early T, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – http://www.public-domain-image.com/public-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/seals-and-sea-lions-public-domain-images-pictures/steller-sea-lions/steller-sea-lion-eumetopias-jubatus.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24890145

The largest of the eared seals, named after the naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller.

Puffin

puffin standing on a rock cliff . fratercula arctica. Image via depositphotos.

With their colorful beaks, puffins are among Alaska’s most iconic seabirds.

Arctic Fox

arctic fox
Arctic Fox. Image via Unsplash

Adapted to the cold with its thick fur, changing colors with the seasons.

Snowshoe Hare

Snowshoe Hare
Snowshoe hare captured mid-leap in the snow. Image by JimCumming via Depositphotos

Known for its large hind feet and seasonal color change from brown to white.

American Bison

Big old bison in nature.
Big old bison in nature. Image by fotoluxstudio via Depositphotos

Once found in large numbers, wild bison herds can still be seen in parts of Alaska.

Elk

Roosevelt Elk
Young Roosevelt Elk. Image by Y S via Unsplash

Though not as common as other species, elk can be found in select areas of Alaska.

Musk Ox

Muskoxen. Image via depositphotos.

Prehistoric-looking animals known for their thick coat and strong herd behavior.

Beluga Whale

beluga whale
By Ubergirl – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21813400

These white whales are easily recognizable and often found in coastal waters and rivers.

Conclusion

Ruling the landscape, brown bears of Kamchatka (Ursus arctos beringianus). Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Image by riverriver on depositphotos.

Each of these various animals has a role in the diverse ecosystems found in this state. I hope you enjoyed reading about the variety of animals in Alaska.
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