Wildlife

Alaska is home to over 430 species of birds, 70 species of mammals, the largest population of bald eagles in the nation, the highest concentration of brown bears in the world. From pygmy shrews that weigh less than a penny to gray whales that weigh up to 45 tons, Alaska is the Last Frontier for animals as well as people. Even species endangered elsewhere can still be abundant in Alaska.

You do not always have to travel far to find wildlife in Alaska. Many communities in the state live with our "Urban Wildlife" such as eagles, bears, moose and many other animals that call Alaska's cities home. It is important when a moose walks through town, or a lynx lays out on your deck, to give the animals plenty of space. If an animal shows signs of being disturbed (ears back, hackles raised, or alarm cries), step away and give the animal room.

If you'd like to find out information about the animals that live in Alaska visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Wildlife Notebook Series

• To learn more about an endangered species that can be seen in Anchorage, visit The Beluga Whales of Southcentral Alaska
• To learn more about the hundreds of bird species that call Alaska home, visit Birds of Alaska
• To get some pointers about how to act around wildlife in Alaska, visit Wildlife Etiquette