Alaska is a city in the United States that is located in the extreme northeast of the region. This area is made up of several areas and, depending on it, temperatures can reach 30ºC in summer and -50ºC in winter. It is a territory that has various types of ecosystems such as maritime, wetlands, arctic zone, forests and arctic tundra. This diversity of regions makes this state have an important variety of fauna.
In this article on our site we want to introduce you to some of the most representative Alaskan animals, their main characteristics and curiosities. Keep reading!
Alaskan Moose (Alces alces gigas)
The moose (Alces alces) is an animal distributed in circumpolar regions, including Alaska, a territory where the subspecies Alce alce gigas, known as the Alaskan moose, lives. This is the largest of the moose group, in fact, the largest of the deer family. It is characterized by its solid body supported by long and thin legs, whose maximum weight registered for a male has been 771 kg, while for a female 573 kg.
This typical Alaskan animal has a wide distribution in this northern region. Grows in habitats with coniferous or broadleaved forests, tundra further north and taiga to the south, also prefers spaces with lakes, swamps or wetlands, but does not tolerate hot places, from which it tends to stay away. The species' conservation status is of least concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)
This is the only species of mountain sheep that has horns, which are also distinctive between males and females, since in the former are larger, bulkier and curlier than the latter. In terms of weight, there is also a difference, since males weigh between 73 and 113 kg, while females between 46 and 50 kg. The fur that is abundant and tends to be white, although certain variations may exist.
The Dall sheep is an animal native to Alaska and Canada. In the case of the United States, it develops in mountain ranges in the northeast, center, and south. It tends to be in dry, grassy, or brushy areas, as well as places with light snowfall and strong windsto help disperse snow. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Sea otter (Enhydra lutris)
This otter, which is a carnivorous mammal, is distributed in a few regions, Alaska being one of them. One of the three existing subspecies grows in this region, Enhydra lutris kenyoni. In this subspecies, males are larger than females, weighing 27 to 39 kg, while females weigh 16 to 27 kg. It has a double coat, which is characterized by being brown to reddish in color.
It is distributed in marine areas near the coast, which may have rocky or soft seabeds, but the abundant presence of algae is important, since it looks for food there. In Alaska, the sea otter was overhunted, drastically decreasing its population. In general, the species is classified endangered
Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)
This marine mammal is anatomically well adapted to have a good propulsion during diving, in addition, it slows down its heart rate, which favors its stay under water. Males measure 1.60 to 1.90 m and weigh between 80 and 170 kg. For their part, the females do not exceed 1.70 m in length and 145 kg.
The harbor seal has coastal habits and is present in America and Europe as well as in Asia. Depending on the region, one of five recognized subspecies develops. In the case of the new continent, one of the regions it inhabits is Alaska and the subspecies Phoca vitulina r ichardsi is located here. This seal is considered to be of least concern.
Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
This typical Alaskan animal is well adapted to living in freezing temperatures thanks to its abundant fur and fur. Most of the mantle is white in winter and shades of gray or brown in summer, but there are also a few individuals with a bluish-gray coloration. The covering of its legs with fur offers additional protection against the cold. It measures up to 70 cm in length and has an average weight of 5.2 kg.
The arctic fox lives in the circumpolar regions, including Alaska, developing in the arctic and alpine tundra of this state. It is also present in the subarctic maritime ecosystem of some islands in the area. It is considered to be of least concern.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
The snowy owl is a bird of the order Strigiformes. In the case of adult males the white color predominates and in females there is the presence of brown spots. It is large, in fact, it is one of the largest owls in the world, with a wingspan of about 146 cm in males and 159 cm in females. females. The average weight of the former is 1.6 kg and in the latter 2 kg.
It is an iconic owl of the arctic regions, including Alaska. It develops in the open tundra, from the area near the tree line to the polar sea edge. Due to population decline, it has been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
If you love these animals as much as we do, don't stop learning and discover all the types of owls.
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Some species of whales are also part of Alaska's wildlife, such as the humpback whale. There are three subspecies of humpback whales, the subspecies Megaptera novaeangliae kuziara being common in the Alaskan summer, so it is typical of the North Pacific. It is a robust animal, characterized by the presence of long pectoral fins. Its coloration is dark gray in the dorsal area and white in the ventral area.
The humpback whale is a cosmopolitan species that is widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, but it is a typical animal in Alaska in the summer season, where it is present in the gulf of this region. With a growing population trend, it is considered to be of least concern.
Alaska Marmot (Marmota broweri)
The Alaskan marmot is an animal that is distinguished from the rest of its group by the presence of a dark coloration on its head, which extends over the nose and reaches the neck. Regarding the rest of the body, it can vary between brown, gray and even white. The average weight and length are about 3.4 kg and 59 cm, with males being larger than females.
This species of marmot is a native animal of Alaska and has a significant distribution in the tundra Arctic and in extensive rocky fields, where there are dens that provide protection. Its population is stable and it is considered to be of least concern.
Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
This sea lion is the largest sea lion in existence, although the males are larger than the females, both are stocky and immense dimensions. The maximum size recorded for them has been 3.3 m and 1 ton of average weight, while for them it is 2.5 m and 273 kg. Their coloration is distinguished from other sea lions as it is light brown to yellowish, which they maintain even when wet.
It takes place in several coastal regions, including the Gulf of Alaska Although it can travel long distances, it prefers to stay on shore and dive to feed. It can also be located on sea ice occasionally. It is classified as near threatened by the IUCN.
Do you want to know more about these animals? Do not miss this other article about the Types of sea lions and sea lions.
Musk ox (Ovibos moschatus)
This animal is adapted for arctic conditions and is characterized by short legs and a barrel-shaped body. It is covered with long fur and both males and females have horns. The latter weigh up to 250 kg, while the first 320 kg on average.
Previously, the musk ox was distributed in Canada, Greenland and Alaska, but by the end of the 19th century it disappeared from the latter region. However, it was later reintroduced, which is why today it is also considered part of the Alaskan wildlife. It grows in the tree line of the arctic tundra and is considered to be of least concern.
Other Alaskan Animals
In addition to the animals mentioned above, it is common to see a variety of other wild animals in Alaska, let's meet some of them:
- Glutton (Gulo gulo)
- Orca (Orca to leutianas)
- Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
- Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
- Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
- Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- American black bear (Ursus americanus)
- North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
- North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
