Wild Alaska! The Animals of the Polar North

Prepare to experience an untamed wilderness that will give you opportunities to witness the natural wonders of Alaska in an up-close and engaging way.  Moose, caribou, brown & black bears, and bald eagles greet you as you explore by land. While cruising, keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, otters, and porpoises. Zodiac and kayak excursions give access to more remote areas by twisting through a labyrinth of glaciers, icebergs, fjords and rivers.  Exploring these remote areas maximize the possibilities of wildlife sightings.

Bears
Nearly 98 percent of the country's grizzly bears live in Alaska. They are found throughout Alaska, but are salmon hungry, so look for grizzlies in salmon country in southwestern region of the state and along the Gulf of Alaska's coast. Black bears, ranging in colors from blue-black, cinnamon brown, and even a rare creamy white, are usually spotted inland, in forested areas. Unlike the larger grizzlies, these black bears are excellent climbers. Kodiaks are a sub-species of the grizzly and found only on the Kodiak archipelago. At 1,500 pounds, they are the largest bears in the world. In sea ice of the Arctic region, the lucky traveler might have the chance to spot the elusive, brilliant white Polar Bear.

Moose
Moose are found throughout the state, except in the extreme north. A bull moose can weigh up to 1,600 pounds – combine their size with their huge antlers, this makes the moose an impressive animal and a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers have spotted moose wandering the in city limits, along highways, railways and in the state's numerous parks and reserves. Kenai Peninsula has a moose refuge; this wildlife sanctuary is an excellent place to find these large horse-sized deer.

Whales: Humpbacks, Orcas, Belugas
If you’re booking an Alaska cruise, then it’s very likely that you’ll have a chance to witness the majestic sight of a whale breaching powerfully out of the frigid northern waters.

• Humpback whales spend the summer feeding on the nutrient rich waters in the Gulf of Alaska. Humpbacks are found throughout the Inside Passage, in Glacier Bay, Prince William Sound and around the waters of Kodiak Islands.
• The distinctive black and white orcas are also commonly spotted in large groups in Southeast Alaska.
• Smaller belugas are found in Cook Inlet and the Turnagain Arm near Anchorage.
• Bowhead whales feed in Alaska's icy Arctic waters in the northern region of the state.

Other Marine Mammals

• Sea otters are a universal favorite for their playful manner and curious personality. Adult sea otters reach roughly 4.5 feet, and are frequently seen in kelp beds and along the coasts of Prince William Sound.
• A variety of seals, including the Steller fur seal and Harbor seal, are also very common on Alaskan coasts.
• Another famous marine mammal is the walrus. These huge animals can weigh 2 tons. Both males and females grow the distinctive tusks, which they use for fighting and maneuvering their massive bodies out of the water. Walruses typically follow the sea ice, seasonally migrating northward in the summer months.

Birds
Thousands of birds nest, breed, migrate and inhabit Alaska's coasts, prairies and mountains:

• In June, the wide variety of songbirds have nothing but praises to sing as they busy themselves with courtships and preparing for new hatchlings.

• Bald eagles circle the coasts and streams where the salmon are abundant, while golden eagles search for small rodents in Denali National Park.
• Other popular birds are Alaska's loons, owls, swans, puffins, and the state bird ptarmigan, which has the curious ability to change white in the winter and brown in the summer months.

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