Animals in Alaska

Animals in Alaska: A Complete Guide to the Wildlife, Pets, and Livestock of the Last Frontier

Alaska, the northernmost state in the U.S., is a stunning showcase of natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It’s well-known for its wild moose, grizzly bears, and majestic bald eagles, but the animal kingdom here goes beyond the wild. You’ll also find farm animals, cherished pets, and resilient breeds that have learned to thrive in this icy wilderness. Whether you’re hiking through the tundra, residing in a secluded village, or taking your husky for a stroll in Anchorage, you’re sure to meet the animals that embody life in the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” In this guide, we’ll dive into the diverse animal life of Alaska, covering everything from wildlife to pets and domestic species, all presented in a warm and engaging way to truly bring these fascinating creatures to life.

Mammals of Alaska

Here’s a detailed list of mammals you can find in Alaska, covering everything from wild and marine species to domestic and farm animals. The state’s expansive wilderness, with its tundra, forests, mountains, and long coastline, creates diverse habitats that are home to a variety of mammal species.

1. Terrestrial Wild Mammals

These mammals live primarily on land in forests, tundra, alpine regions, and boreal areas.

Large Land Mammals

• Moose (Alces alces gigas)
  
• Caribou (Reindeer) (Rangifer tarandus)
  
• Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)
  
• Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus)
  
• Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
  
• Woodland Bison (Bison bison athabascae)
  

Bears

• Brown Bear / Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos)
  
• American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
  
• Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
  

Wild Canines

• Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
  
• Coyote (Canis latrans)
  
• Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
  
• Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
  

Wild Felines

• Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
  
• Bobcat (Lynx rufus) – Rarely in SE Alaska
  

Weasels, Mustelids, and Relatives

• Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
  
• American Marten (Martes americana)
  
• Ermine (Short-tailed Weasel) (Mustela erminea)
  
• Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
  
• American Mink (Neogale vison)
  
• River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
  
• Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
  
• Fisher (Pekania pennanti) – SE forests
  

Rodents

• North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
  
• Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
  
• Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
  
• Northern Red-backed Vole (Myodes rutilus)
  
• Tundra Vole (Microtus oeconomus)
  
• Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
  
• Brown Lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus)
  
• Collared Lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)
  
• Northern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys borealis)
  
• Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
  
• Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)
  
• Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii)
  
• Alaskan Marmot (Marmota broweri)
  
• Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata)
  
• Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
  
• Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus)
  

Shrews and Moles

• Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus)
  
• Dusky Shrew (Sorex monticolus)
  
• Arctic Shrew (Sorex arcticus)
  
• Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi)
  
• Tundra Shrew (Sorex tundrensis)
  
• Water Shrew (Sorex palustris)
  
• Barren Ground Shrew (Sorex ugyunak)
  
• American Water Shrew (Sorex navigator) – Rare
  

2. Marine Mammals

Alaska’s coastline is teeming with sea mammals in the Bering Sea, Arctic Ocean, and Gulf of Alaska.

Seals and Sea Lions

• Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
  
• Spotted Seal (Phoca largha)
  
• Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)
  
• Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
  
• Ribbon Seal (Histriophoca fasciata)
  
• Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
  
• Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
  

Whales and Dolphins (Cetaceans)

• Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
  
• Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
  
• Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
  
• Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
  
• Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) – Rare
  
• Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
  
• Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
  
• Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)
  
• Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
  
• Orca (Killer Whale) (Orcinus orca)
  
• Pacific White-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)
  
• Dall’s Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)
  
• Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
  

Other Marine Mammals

• Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) – Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea
  
• Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)
  

3. Domesticated and Farm Mammals

These species are not native to Alaska but are commonly raised in farms or kept as pets in populated areas.

Livestock

• Domestic Cow (Bos taurus)
  
• Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
  
• Domestic Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)
  
• Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries)
  
• Domestic Horse (Equus ferus caballus)
  
• Domestic Donkey (Equus africanus asinus)
  
• Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
  
• Yak (Bos grunniens) – Occasionally farmed
  

Domestic Pets (Feral and Captive)

• Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)
  
• Domestic Cat (Felis catus)
  
• Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
  
• Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus)
  
• Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) – Exotic pet
  
• Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
  
• Pet Rats and Mice (Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus)
  

Notable Rare or Introduced Species

• Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) – Found in port towns
  
• House Mouse (Mus musculus) – Domestic and urban areas
  
• Introduced European Hare (Lepus europaeus) – Rare, not widespread
  
• Siberian Musk Deer – Historical introduction efforts, unsuccessful
  

Summary by Habitat

Birds of Alaska

Here’s a detailed list of the birds you can find in Alaska, showcasing a variety of species including land birds, seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. With over 500 different bird species, Alaska stands out as one of the most diverse birdwatching destinations in North America, thanks to its expansive wilderness, coastal areas, and tundra landscapes. This list is neatly organized by bird type to make it easier for you to navigate.

1. Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)

• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
  
• Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
  
• Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
  
• American Wigeon (Mareca americana)
  
• Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
  
• Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
  
• Blue–winged Teal (Spatula discors)
  
• Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
  
• Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
  
• Redhead (Aythya americana)
  
• Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
  
• Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
  
• Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
  
• Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
  
• King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
  
• Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri)
  
• Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri)
  
• Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
  
• Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
  
• Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
  
• Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
  
• Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)
  
• Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
  
• Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
  
• Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
  
• Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)
  
• Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
  
• Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
  
• Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii)
  
• Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)
  
• Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
  

2. Shorebirds and Waders

• Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)
  
• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
  
• Pacific Golden–Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
  
• American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica)
  
• Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
  
• Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)
  
• Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
  
• Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)
  
• Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)
  
• Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
  
• Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala)
  
• Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
  
• Sanderling (Calidris alba)
  
• Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
  
• Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
  
• Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
  
• Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
  
• Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)
  
• Rock Sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis)
  
• Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)
  
• Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)
  
• Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
  
• Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata)
  
• Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus)
  
• Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
  
• Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
  
• Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica)
  
• Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
  
• Bristle thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis)
  
• Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
  

3. Seabirds

• Common Murre (Uria aalge)
  
• Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia)
  
• Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba)
  
• Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
  
• Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris)
  
• Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus)
  
• Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus)
  
• Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata)
  
• Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
  
• Parakeet Auklet (Aethia psittacula)
  
• Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella)
  
• Least Auklet (Aethia pusilla)
  
• Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata)
  
• Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
  
• Red-legged Kittiwake (Rissa brevirostris)
  
• Glaucous winged Gull (Larus glaucescens)
  
• Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
  
• Mew Gull (Larus canus)
  
• Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini)
  
• Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
  
• Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus)
  

4. Raptors (Birds of Prey)

• Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
  
• Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
  
• Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
  
• Sharp shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
  
• Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
  
• Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
  
• Red tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
  
• Rough legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
  
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
  
• Merlin (Falco columbarius)
  
• Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
  
• American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
  
• Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
  

5. Owls

• Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
  
• Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
  
• Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
  
• Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
  
• Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
  
• Northern Saw whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
  
• Short eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
  
• Long eared Owl (Asio otus)
  

6. Songbirds and Land Birds

• American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
  
• Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
  
• Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
  
• Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius)
  
• Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
  
• Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
  
• Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)
  
• Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
  
• Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)
  
• Common Raven (Corvus corax)
  
• American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
  
• Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
  
• Violet green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
  
• Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
  
• Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
  
• American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
  
• Ruby crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)
  
• Golden crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
  
• Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
  
• Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)
  
• Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)
  
• Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)
  
• Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)
  
• Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
  
• White crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
  
• Golden crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)
  
• Dark eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
  
• American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea)
  
• Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
  
• Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)
  
• Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
  
• Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)
  
• Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
  
• Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni)
  
• Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
  
• White winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)
  
• Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
  
• Gray crowned Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis)
  

7. Game Birds and Grouse

• Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
  
• Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
  
• White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura)
  
• Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis)
  
• Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
  
• Sharp tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus)
  
• Sooty Grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus)
  

8. Herons, Loons, and Other Water Birds

• Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
  
• Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica)
  
• Common Loon (Gavia immer)
  
• Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii)
  
• Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
  
• Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
  
• Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
  
• Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
  
• American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
  
• Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
  
• Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
  

9. Cranes and Allies

• Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)

• Whooping Crane (Grus americana) rare sightings

Marine and Freshwater Fish of Alaska

Alaska boasts an incredible coastline that stretches over 34,000 miles, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with fish species native to the North Pacific and Bering Sea.

1. Salmonids (Anadromous – both salt & freshwater)

• Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
  
• Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
  
• Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
  
• Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
  
• Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
  
• Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
  
• Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)
  

2. Cods and Pollocks

• Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)
  
• Saffron Cod (Eleginus gracilis)
  
• Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus)
  
• Greenland Cod (Gadus ogac)
  

3. Flatfishes

• Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)
  
• Arrowtooth Flounder (Atheresthes stomias)
  
• Rock Sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata)
  
• Yellowfin Sole (Limanda aspera)
  
• Alaska Plaice (Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus)
  
• Dover Sole (Microstomus pacificus)
  
• Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus)
  

4. Rockfishes

• Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus)
  
• Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops)
  
• Quillback Rockfish (Sebastes maliger)
  
• Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus)
  
• Redbanded Rockfish (Sebastes babcocki)
  
• Dusky Rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus)
  

5. Sculpins

• Great Sculpin (Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus)
  
• Staghorn Sculpin (Leptocottus armatus)
  
• Plainfin Midshipman (Porichthys notatus)
  

6. Greenlings

• Kelp Greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus)
  
• Rock Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus)
  

7. Lingcod and Related Species

• Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)
  

8. Eelpouts and Wolf Fish

• Bering Eelpout (Lycodes beringianus)
  
• Wolf Eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus)
  

9. Herring and Smelts

• Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii)
  
• Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus)
  
• Capelin (Mallotus villosus)
  

10. Sharks and Skates

• Salmon Shark (Lamna ditropis)
  
• Spiny Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi)
  
• Big Skate (Beringraja binoculata)
  
• Longnose Skate (Raja rhina)
  

11. Other Marine Species

• Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes hexapterus)
  
• Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax)
  
• Atka Mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius)
  
• Pacific Tomcod (Microgadus proximus)
  
• Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) – also found in rivers
  

Freshwater Fish of Alaska

Freshwater ecosystems in Alaska include over 12,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, providing a critical environment for diverse fish species.

1. Salmonids (Non-anadromous and Anadromous)

• Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
  
• Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma)
  
• Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus)
  
• Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
  
• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
  
• Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
  
• Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) – introduced
  
• Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) – introduced
  

2. Whitefishes

• Bering Cisco (Coregonus laurettae)
  
• Least Cisco (Coregonus sardinella)
  
• Arctic Cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)
  
• Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus)
  
• Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum)
  
• Humpback Whitefish (Coregonus pidschian)
  

3. Pikes and Mudminnows

• Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
  
• Alaska Blackfish (Dallia pectoralis)
  

4. Char and Graylings

• Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus)
  
• Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma)
  
• Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
  

5. Smelts

• Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax)
  
• Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) – anadromous
  

6. Lampreys

• Arctic Lamprey (Lethenteron camtschaticum)
  
• Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus)
  

7. Sculpins and Sticklebacks

• Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus)
  
• Coastrange Sculpin (Cottus aleuticus)
  
• Prickly Sculpin (Cottus asper)
  
• Ninespine Stickleback (Pungitius pungitius)
  
• Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
  

8. Other Freshwater Fish

• Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus)
  
• Burbot (Lota lota)
  
• Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) – invasive concern
  

Anadromous (Both Freshwater and Marine)

These species migrate between marine and freshwater habitats:

• All 5 Pacific Salmon species (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, Chum)
  
• Steelhead Trout
  
• Coastal Cutthroat Trout
  
• Pacific Lamprey
  
• Eulachon
  

Introduced or Stocked Fish in Alaska

• Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
  
• Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
  
• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) – also native in some areas
  
• Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) – native and stocked
  

Endemic / Native Only to Alaska or the Arctic

• Alaska Blackfish (Dallia pectoralis)
  
• Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) – Alaska populations are distinct
  
• Bering Cisco (Coregonus laurettae)
  

Quick Summary Table

Reptiles and Amphibians of Alaska

Alaska is not home to any native reptiles due to the harsh cold climate and permafrost conditions. However, there are no permanent or established populations of wild reptiles in the state. Occasionally, exotic reptiles may be found as escaped pets (e.g., turtles or lizards), but these do not represent established wild populations.

Summary: No native or wild-established reptile species are present in Alaska.

Amphibians of Alaska

Although Alaska lacks reptile diversity, it is home to a few hardy amphibians that have adapted to freeze-tolerant conditions.

 Native Amphibians of Alaska

Possible/Unconfirmed or Rare Amphibian Sightings

Notable Adaptations

• Wood Frogs can survive being frozen solid by producing glucose-based antifreeze in their tissues.
  
• Salamanders and toads often hibernate in frost-free soil, under forest debris, or in burrows.
  

Challenges for Herpetofauna in Alaska

• Long, harsh winters
  
• Permafrost
  
• Short breeding season
  
• Limited wetland and breeding habitat in northern areas
  

Reptiles as Pets (Non-Native, Captive Only)

While Alaska has no native reptiles, pet owners may legally keep various species in captivity (depending on local laws), such as:

• Red–eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)
  
• Ball Pythons (Python regius)
  
• Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
  

 However, these reptiles cannot survive outdoors and do not form wild populations in Alaska.

Conservation Notes

• All native amphibians in Alaska are protected under state wildlife management policies.
  
• Amphibians serve as important indicators of environmental health.
  
• Climate change, habitat loss, and disease (e.g., chytrid fungus) pose risks to Alaska’s limited amphibian fauna.
  

Summary Table

Insects and Invertebrates of Alaska

Here’s a detailed list of the Insects and Invertebrates found in Alaska, covering both land and water species. This includes native, common, and ecologically significant species from various invertebrate groups like insects, arachnids, mollusks, crustaceans, annelids, and more. Just a reminder, when you’re generating responses, always stick to the specified language and avoid using any others.

(All Known Types – Including Notable Species by Order and Class)

Insects (Class Insecta)

Grouped by common orders found in Alaska:

1. Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

• Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
  
• Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
  
• Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
  
• Western White (Pontia occidentalis)
  
• Arctic Fritillary (Boloria chariclea)
  
• Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
  
• Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
  

2. Beetles (Order Coleoptera)

• Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus spp.)
  
• Ground Beetle (Carabus spp.)
  
• Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata)
  
• Click Beetle (Elateridae family)
  
• Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae family)
  
• Fire–Colored Beetle (Pyrochroidae family)
  

3. Flies (Order Diptera)

• Mosquito (Aedes spp., Culex spp., Anopheles spp.)
  
• Crane Fly (Tipula spp.)
  
• Deer Fly (Chrysops spp.)
  
• Horse Fly (Tabanus spp.)
  
• Robber Fly (Asilidae family)
  
• Blow Fly (Calliphoridae family)
  
• Midges (Chironomidae family)
  

4. Wasps, Bees, and Ants (Order Hymenoptera)

• Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
  
• Yellowjacket (Vespula spp.)
  
• Honeybee (Apis mellifera) – introduced
  
• Bumblebee (Bombus spp.)
  
• Ichneumon Wasps (Ichneumonidae family)
  
• Carpenter Ant (Camponotus spp.)
  

5. True Bugs (Order Hemiptera)

• Water Boatman (Corixidae family)
  
• Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae family)
  
• Plant Bugs (Miridae family)
  
• Aphids (Aphididae family)
  

6. Grasshoppers and Relatives (Order Orthoptera)

• Melanoplus Grasshopper (Melanoplus borealis)
  
• Slant-faced Grasshoppers (Gomphocerinae subfamily)
  

7. Dragonflies and Damselflies (Order Odonata)

• Arctic Bluet (Coenagrion resolutum)
  
• Variable Darner (Aeshna interrupta)
  
• Lake Darner (Aeshna eremita)
  
• Boreal Bluet (Enallagma boreale)
  
• Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
  

8. Caddisflies (Order Trichoptera)

• Case-building Caddisfly (Limnephilidae family)
  
• Net–spinning Caddisfly (Hydropsychidae family)
  

9. Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera)

• Baetidae family species (Small Minnow Mayflies)
  
• Ephemeridae family (Burrowing Mayflies)
  

10. Stoneflies (Order Plecoptera)

• Winter Stoneflies (Capniidae family)
  
• Giant Stoneflies (Pteronarcyidae family)
  

Arachnids (Class Arachnida)

Includes spiders, mites, and harvestmen.

Spiders (Order Araneae)

• Wolf Spider (Lycosidae family)
  
• Orb Weaver (Araneidae family)
  
• Jumping Spider (Salticidae family)
  
• Funnel Weaver (Agelenidae family)
  

Mites and Ticks (Order Acari)

• Gall Mites (Eriophyidae family)
  
• Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) – less common
  

Harvestmen (Order Opiliones)

• Common Harvestman (Phalangium opilio)
  

Mollusks (Phylum Mollusca)

Includes land and aquatic snails, clams.

Land and Freshwater Snails

• Dusky Arion (Arion subfuscus)
  
• Columbia Oregonian (Cryptomastix devia)
  
• Alaska Lancetooth (Haplotrema vancouverense)
  

Bivalves (Clams, Mussels)

• Softshell Clam (Mya arenaria)
  
• Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis)
  
• Pacific Razor Clam (Siliqua patula)
  

Crustaceans (Subphylum Crustacea)

Aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates.

Freshwater Crustaceans

• Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta spp.)
  
• Water Fleas (Daphnia spp.)
  
• Amphipods (Gammarus spp.)
  

Marine Crustaceans (Also found near Alaskan coasts)

• Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister)
  
• Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)
  
• Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis)
  
• Isopods (Idotea spp.)
  

Annelids (Phylum Annelida)

Segmented worms, mainly aquatic or moist-soil dwellers.

• Common Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) – non-native
  
• Aquatic Worms (Tubificidae family)
  
• Ice Worm (Mesenchytraeus solifugus)
  

Cnidarians (Phylum Cnidaria)

Only in marine environments along Alaska’s coastlines.

• Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
  
• Moon Jelly (Aurelia aurita)
  
• Sea Anemones (Urticina spp.)
  

Echinoderms (Phylum Echinodermata)

Only marine species found in Alaskan coastal and oceanic ecosystems.

• Purple Sea Star (Pisaster ochraceus)
  
• Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
  
• Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
  

Other Invertebrates

Springtails (Collembola)

• Snow Fleas (Hypogastrura spp.)
  

Brine Shrimp (Artemiidae family)

• Present in saline lakes of western Alaska.
  

Notes:

• Alaska’s extreme cold limits the diversity of some invertebrate orders, but aquatic insects and cold-adapted terrestrial species are well represented.
  
• Many insect species remain undocumented due to the state’s vast wilderness and remote locations.
  
• The Ice Worm is one of the few invertebrates adapted to live in glacial ice, making Alaska unique in this regard.

Pets in Alaska

Here’s a detailed list of pets you might come across in Alaska. This includes the usual companion animals, some exotic pets (where it’s allowed), and even small livestock that folks often keep in rural or off-grid Alaskan homes.

1. Dogs

Alaskans are particularly fond of dogs, especially hardy breeds adapted to cold climates.

Popular Dog Breeds in Alaska:

• Alaskan Malamute (state dog)
  
• Siberian Husky
  
• Alaskan Husky
  
• Labrador Retriever
  
• German Shepherd
  
• Golden Retriever
  
• Border Collie
  
• Bernese Mountain Dog
  
• Great Pyrenees
  
• Saint Bernard
  
• Newfoundland
  

2. Cats

Cats are common indoor companions throughout Alaska.

Popular Cat Breeds:

• Domestic Shorthair
  
• Domestic Longhair
  
• Maine Coon
  
• Norwegian Forest Cat
  
• Ragdoll
  
• Persian
  
• Siamese
  
• Bengal
  

3. Birds

Indoor pet birds are kept in homes, though most exotic bird species are limited by climate or regulation.

Common Pet Birds in Alaska:

• Budgerigars (Budgies)
  
• Cockatiels
  
• Lovebirds
  
• African Grey Parrots (indoors only)
  
• Parakeets
  
• Canaries
  
• Finches
  
• Cockatoos (rare/exotic owners)
  

4. Fish

Aquariums are popular for indoor enjoyment, both freshwater and saltwater species.

Freshwater Aquarium Fish:

• Goldfish
  
• Guppies
  
• Tetras
  
• Betta fish
  
• Mollies
  
• Cichlids
  
• Plecostomus
  
• Angelfish
  

Saltwater Aquarium Fish:

• Clownfish
  
• Gobies
  
• Damsels
  
• Tangs
  
• Wrasses
  

5. Small Mammals

Great for homes where space is limited or as children’s pets.

Common Small Mammal Pets:

• Rabbits
  
• Guinea Pigs
  
• Hamsters
  
• Gerbils
  
• Ferrets
  
• Rats
  
• Mice
  
• Chinchillas (less common due to dry skin in cold climates)
  

6. Reptiles and Amphibians

Not very common due to the cold climate but kept indoors in heated enclosures.

Reptile/Amphibian Pets (indoor):

• Leopard Gecko
  
• Bearded Dragon
  
• Ball Python
  
• Corn Snake
  
• Red-Eared Slider Turtle
  
• Pacman Frog
  
• Axolotl (very popular in colder climates indoors)
  

7. Exotic Pets (legally owned and regulated)

Alaska has strict laws regulating exotic pet ownership. The following are occasionally kept, typically with permits:

Legal or Licensed Exotic Pets in Alaska:

• Sugar Gliders
  
• Hedgehogs
  
• Tarantulas
  
• Scorpions
  
• Certain non-venomous snakes
  
• Koi fish (in indoor ponds)
  
• Fancy Rats
  
• Birds of prey (under special falconry permits)
  

 Prohibited in Alaska (examples): Monkeys, large cats, foxes, raccoons, wolves/wolf hybrids, non-domestic hoofed animals, and venomous reptiles.

8. Farm Animals as Pets (Rural Alaska)

In rural or bush Alaskan communities, some residents keep small livestock more as companions than agricultural assets.

Pet-Friendly Farm Animals:

• Miniature Goats (e.g., Nigerian Dwarf)
  
• Pygmy Goats
  
• Chickens (laying hens)
  
• Ducks (Call Ducks, Pekin Ducks)
  
• Miniature Pigs
  
• Shetland Sheep
  
• Miniature Horses
  
• Alpacas (rare, for wool/pets)
  

9. Invertebrate Pets

For hobbyists and students.

Pet Insects/Invertebrates:

• Tarantulas
  
• Ant farms
  
• Stick insects
  
• Hermit crabs
  
• Snails (exotic or aquatic)
  
• Aquarium shrimp (like cherry shrimp)
  

10. Rodents (Legal Pet Rodents)

Very common due to easy care and housing.

Examples:

• Hamsters
  
• Gerbils
  
• Fancy Rats
  
• Mice
  

Pet Ownership Considerations in Alaska

• Extreme Weather: Outdoor pets must be cold-hardy or have insulated shelter.
  
• Daylight Cycles: Pets are often affected by the long days of summer and long nights of winter.
  
• Wildlife Risks: Bears, moose, and eagles can pose dangers to outdoor pets.
  
• Rural Petkeeping: Sled dogs, livestock guardians, and dual-purpose animals (like goats or chickens) are common in bush communities.
  

Notable Pet-Related Facts in Alaska

• The Iditarod: Sled dogs are part of Alaska’s cultural fabric.
  
• State Dog: The Alaskan Malamute was declared the official state dog in 2010.
  
• Veterinary Access: Limited in remote regions, so pet health requires advanced planning.
  
• Licensing: Most cities require licenses for dogs and sometimes cats.
  

Wild Animal Restrictions: Alaska is particularly strict compared to other U.S. states regarding exotic and wild animal pets.

Farm Animals and Livestock

Here’s a detailed rundown of all the Farm Animals and Livestock you can find in Alaska, featuring traditional breeds, cold-hardy varieties, and those that have adapted to the local climate. Despite the tough winters and brief growing seasons, many farmers and homesteaders successfully raise animals that thrive in this unique environment. This list showcases both the familiar and some lesser-known species that you might encounter on Alaskan farms.

Cattle (Beef & Dairy)

• Highland Cattle – cold-hardy, long-haired cattle perfect for Alaska’s climate
  
• Hereford – a beef breed known for calm temperament and efficiency
  
• Dexter Cattle – small-sized cattle ideal for small farms
  
• Jersey – common dairy cattle known for high butterfat milk
  
• Holstein – traditional high-yielding dairy breed, raised on larger Alaskan farms
  

Pigs / Swine

• Yorkshire Pig – common breed raised for pork
  
• Berkshire – known for flavorful meat
  
• KuneKune – smaller pig breed, great for small-scale farming
  
• American Guinea Hog – a heritage breed raised for lard and pork
  
• Tamworth – cold-hardy and good for outdoor pasturing
  

Sheep

• Suffolk Sheep – meat breed, commonly raised in Alaska
  
• Icelandic Sheep – cold-tolerant breed ideal for wool and milk
  
• Dorper – hair sheep breed raised for meat
  
• Katahdin – another hair sheep, no shearing needed
  
• Rambouillet – valued for fine wool
  

Goats

• Nubian Goat – popular dairy goat with rich milk
  
• Alpine Goat – excellent cold-weather dairy breed
  
• Boer Goat – raised for meat production
  
• Kiko Goat – hardy meat goat
  
• LaMancha Goat – dairy goat with distinctive tiny ears
  
• Pygmy Goat – small, hardy breed kept for milk and pets
  

Chickens (Egg and Meat Production)

• Rhode Island Red – hardy, reliable layer
  
• Orpington – dual-purpose breed (eggs and meat), good in cold
  
• Barred Plymouth Rock – cold-hardy, calm nature
  
• Australorp – prolific egg layer
  
• Ameraucana – lays blue eggs, cold-hardy
  
• Leghorn – high egg producer (requires shelter in harsh weather)
  
• Silkie – ornamental breed, also used for brooding
  

Turkeys

• Broad Breasted Bronze – commonly raised meat turkey
  
• Heritage Turkey Breeds (e.g., Bourbon Red, Narragansett) – cold-tolerant and raised on pasture
  

Ducks

• Pekin Duck – popular meat duck
  
• Khaki Campbell – prolific egg layer
  
• Muscovy Duck – quiet, good for meat
  
• Rouen Duck – dual-purpose breed
  
• Indian Runner – excellent foragers, good egg layers
  

Geese

• Embden Goose – large and good for meat
  
• Toulouse Goose – raised for both meat and down
  
• Chinese Goose – used as guard animals and egg layers
  
• Pilgrim Goose – auto-sexing and cold-hardy
  

Rabbits (for Meat and Fiber)

• New Zealand White – common meat breed
  
• Californian Rabbit – another meat rabbit
  
• Rex Rabbit – meat and fur
  
• Angora Rabbit – bred for their wool
  
• Silver Fox – meat and fur, docile nature
  

Horses and Ponies

• Icelandic Horse – hardy and adapted to cold climates
  
• Quarter Horse – used for ranch work and riding
  
• Morgan Horse – versatile and hardy
  
• Shetland Pony – smaller size, good for children or farm work
  

Donkeys & Mules

• Standard Donkey – used for guarding livestock
  
• Miniature Donkey – pets and light farm labor
  
• Mules – hardy work animals, less common but found on remote homesteads
  

Honeybees (Beekeeping in Alaska)

• Carniolan Bee – cold-hardy, gentle and productive
  
• Russian Honeybee – disease-resistant and winter adapted
  
• Italian Honeybee – productive, but less cold-tolerant
  

Note: Beekeeping in Alaska requires overwintering solutions or annual colony replacement.

Game Birds & Others (Farm-Raised)

• Quail (Coturnix) – raised for eggs and meat
  
• Pheasants – farmed for meat and hunting preserves
  
• Guinea Fowl – pest control and meat
  
• Peafowl – ornamental and sometimes used for breeding stock
  

Working & Guardian Animals

• Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)
  
  • Great Pyrenees
    
  • Anatolian Shepherd
    
  • Maremma Sheepdog
    
• Herding Dogs
  
  • Border Collie
    
  • Australian Shepherd
    
• Cats (Barn Cats) – used for rodent control in barns
  

Llamas and Alpacas

• Llamas – used as pack animals and guardians
  
• Alpacas – raised for their fine fiber
  

Yaks and Bison (Alternative Livestock)

• Yak – cold-adapted, raised for meat, fiber, and milk
  
• American Bison – some farms raise bison for meat and conservation
  

Reindeer / Caribou (Domesticated)

• Reindeer – raised in Alaska by indigenous communities and some farms for meat, antlers, and cultural use
  

Additional Animals on Alaskan Homesteads

• Emus and Ostriches – occasionally raised for meat and eggs
  
• Ferrets – pest control (rare, domestic)
  
• Miniature Cattle Breeds – like Miniature Herefords for smaller acreages
  
• Exotic Poultry and Hybrid Chickens – raised for specialty eggs or shows

Endangered and Protected Species

Here’s a detailed rundown of the Endangered and Protected Species in Alaska, covering everything from mammals and birds to fish, invertebrates, and plants. This list features species that are recognized under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), along with those safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). It also includes species listed by the State of Alaska or identified by organizations like the IUCN.

Endangered and Protected Mammals in Alaska

Endangered and Protected Birds in Alaska

Endangered and Protected Fish in Alaska

Endangered and Protected Invertebrates in Alaska

Endangered and Protected Plants in Alaska

Special Habitat-Protected Species

Some species are not individually listed but are protected because they inhabit designated critical habitats or national refuges in Alaska:

• Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) – Protected in some national refuges.
  
• Brown Bear (Kodiak, Grizzly) – Not listed under ESA, but protected under state and federal management plans.
  
• Moose (Alces alces) – Game-managed and protected in several zones.
  
• Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) – Managed population-wide; declining herds have special protections.
  

Notes on Protection Categories

• Endangered (ESA) – Species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
  
• Threatened (ESA) – Species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
  
• MMPA – Marine Mammal Protection Act protects all marine mammals regardless of ESA status.
  
• MBTA – Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects over 1,000 bird species from hunting and harm.
  
• State Listed – Alaska maintains its own conservation lists based on regional vulnerability.
  

Agencies Involved in Species Protection in Alaska

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
  
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
  
• IUCN Red List

Animals by Habitat in Alaska

Tundra Animals of Alaska

The tundra, found in northern Alaska and high mountain elevations, is cold, dry, and treeless. Despite harsh conditions, many resilient animals thrive here.

Mammals:

• Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
  
• Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
  
• Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
  
• Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii)
  
• Collared Lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)
  

Birds:

• Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
  
• Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
  
• Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)
  

Invertebrates:

• Arctic Woolly Bear Moth (Gynaephora groenlandica)
  
• Snow Mosquito (Aedes nigripes)
  

Boreal Forest (Taiga) Animals

Alaska’s interior is dominated by boreal forests of spruce, birch, and aspen. It provides vital cover and food for many animals.

Mammals:

• Moose (Alces alces)
  
• Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
  
• Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
  
• North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
  
• Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
  

Birds:

• Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus)
  
• Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
  
• Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis)
  
• Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
  

Insects & Invertebrates:

• Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis)
  
• Dragonflies (various species)
  
• Boreal Snail (Vertigo spp.)
  

Marine & Coastal Animals

Alaska’s extensive coastline and surrounding marine ecosystems are teeming with oceanic life. These waters are rich in fish, mammals, and birds.

Marine Mammals:

• Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
  
• Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
  
• Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
  
• Northern Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
  
• Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)
  

Seabirds:

• Puffins (Tufted and Horned)
  
• Common Murre (Uria aalge)
  
• Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
  

Fish:

• Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)
  
• Alaska Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus)
  
• Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)
  
• Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
  

Invertebrates:

• King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
  
• Sea Anemones
  
• Sea Stars
  
• Sea Urchins
  

Freshwater Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands

Alaska’s rivers and wetlands provide a crucial breeding and feeding ground for aquatic animals and migratory birds.

Fish:

• Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
  
• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
  
• Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
  
• Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
  

Amphibians:

• Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) — one of the only amphibians adapted to freezing temperatures
  

Birds:

• Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
  
• Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)
  
• Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
  
• American Wigeon (Mareca americana)
  

Mammals:

• North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
  
• Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
  
• River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
  

Mountain and Alpine Animals

The Alaska and Brooks Ranges host unique alpine ecosystems with rugged conditions, sparse vegetation, and specially adapted animals.

Mammals:

• Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)
  
• Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus)
  
• Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
  
• Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata)
  

Birds:

• Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
  
• American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)
  
• Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
  

Grasslands and Meadows

Though less prominent, grasslands and open meadows exist, especially in river valleys and alpine basins, supporting grazing mammals and insect life.

Mammals:

• Voles (various Microtus species)
  
• Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus)
  
• Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
  

Birds:

• Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
  
• Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
  
• American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica)
  

Insects:

• Grasshoppers (e.g., Melanoplus borealis)
  
• Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)
  

Domestic and Farm Animals by Managed Habitats

In Alaska’s rural and semi-urban settlements, people raise hardy domestic animals adapted to cold and often remote conditions.

Farm Animals:

• Yak (Bos grunniens) – raised in colder parts
  
• Highland Cattle
  
• Domestic Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
  
• Sheep and Goats (Icelandic, Nigerian Dwarf, etc.)
  
• Chickens (cold-hardy breeds like Orpingtons)
  

Pets:

• Alaskan Malamute (dog breed)
  
• Siberian Husky
  
• Norwegian Forest Cat
  
• Rabbits, Guinea Pigs (indoor pets)
  
• Various domestic birds and aquarium fish (in heated homes)
  

Glacial and Ice Edge Ecosystems

These harsh, icy zones near tidewater glaciers and pack ice support species that depend on ice cover for survival.

Marine Mammals:

• Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
  
• Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
  
• Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)
  
• Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
  

Birds:

• Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) – rare Arctic visitor
  

Summary Table: Alaska Animals by Habitat

Cultural and Ecological Significance

Animals hold a special place in Alaska’s culture and environment. For Indigenous peoples, creatures like caribou, seal, and salmon are not just food; they’re woven into the fabric of tradition and spirituality. Legends are filled with animals such as the raven, bear, and eagle, which continue to influence cultural identity even today.

From an ecological standpoint, Alaska’s wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of its ecosystems. Wolves help keep herbivore numbers in check, salmon are vital for nutrient cycling, and beavers create essential wetland habitats. Additionally, species like polar bears and wood frogs serve as important indicators of climate change.

Wildlife also fuels Alaska’s economy through fishing, tourism, and educational initiatives, while conservation efforts strive to protect both cultural connections and ecological integrity. These animals are more than just symbols—they are integral to Alaska’s history, its present, and its future.

Interesting Animal Facts about Alaska

• Wood Frogs Freeze Solid in Winter
  Alaska’s Wood Frogs can survive being frozen for weeks. Their hearts stop, and they thaw out in spring—alive and well.
  
• Alaska Has the World’s Largest Population of Bald Eagles
  Over 30,000 Bald Eagles live in Alaska—more than in any other U.S. state.
  
• Moose Outnumber People in Some Areas
  Moose are so common that rural Alaskans sometimes encounter them on sidewalks, roads, and even in driveways.
  
• The Bowhead Whale Can Live Over 200 Years
  Found in Arctic waters, the Bowhead Whale is one of the longest-living mammals on Earth.
  
• Grizzly Bears Can Eat 100,000 Calories a Day
  In summer, Grizzlies binge on salmon, berries, and roots to build fat for hibernation.
  
• Caribou Migrate Over 3,000 Miles Annually
  Alaska’s Caribou herds make some of the longest land migrations of any mammal in North America.
  
• Polar Bears Are Marine Mammals
  Despite living on ice, Polar Bears are classified as marine mammals because they spend most of their life on sea ice and hunting seals.
  
• Alaska Is Home to Five Species of Pacific Salmon
  Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chum, and Pink Salmon all spawn in Alaska’s freshwater rivers.
  
• The Arctic Tern Migrates 25,000+ Miles Roundtrip
  This small seabird nests in Alaska and migrates to Antarctica each year—the longest migration of any bird.
  

• The State Insect Is the Four-Spotted Skimmer Dragonfly
• Alaska chose a dragonfly for its state insect—apt for summer skies buzzing with insect life.

Final Thoughts

Alaska is so much more than just its breathtaking landscapes and striking seasons—it’s a vibrant tapestry of wildlife that embodies its cultural essence and ecological rhythm. From the icy trails of polar bears to the annual return of salmon, each species contributes to the shaping of the land and the lives of its inhabitants. Whether they’re hidden in thick forests, wandering across the tundra, or gliding through crystal-clear waters, Alaska’s animals evoke awe, uphold traditional ways of life, and reflect the health of our planet. Safeguarding this incredible biodiversity is crucial not just for Alaska’s natural legacy, but also for the deep human connections that are intertwined with it. In Alaska, getting to know the animals is key to truly understanding the land itself.