Alaska Wildlife

Sample alaska wildlife from the many species of whale through to the vast array of birds. The marine mammals that swim in Alaskan waters are diverse and large in numbers, featuring about 21 kinds of whales, dolphins and porpoises.

During the summer months humpback whales show off by slapping and breaching the water in beautiful and sometimes dramatic display. They can also be seen whilst on their long migration from the waters of Mexico and Hawaii up to Alaska in the spring to sample Alaska's plentiful food supplies. An individual humpback whale can consume up to two tons of food daily! The famous black and white killer whales (or orcas) also swim in Alaskan Waters, growing up to 25 feet (8m) in length.

Other examples of Alaska wildlife are the varied and plentiful species of birds that journey from all over the world to feast upon Alaska's tasty riches. More than half of the United States' population of bald eagles are thought to make a permanent home in the Alaskan wild, nesting in places along every mile of coastline.

For fishing enthusiasts perhaps Alaska's famous salmon population will be of interest, along with rainbow trout and arctic char to name a few. Fishing makes up an important part of the state's economy, not to mention an important visitor attraction with amazing sights of salmon swimming up-stream from mid May until late October.

Other Alaska wildlife include caribou, moose, deer, otters, foxes and wolves, as well as the polar, grizzly, and black bears.

With a land so beautiful in landscape and abundant in wildlife it's not that surprising that the US Government has created many National Parks, Preserves, and Wildlife Refuges in order to nurture Alaska's great beauty. All 15 of the state's national parks are managed to preserve scenic, wildlife, and recreational integrity.