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WILDLIFE
 One
of the most thrilling aspects of taking an Alaskan vacation is the opportunity
it presents to observe a variety of wildlife – all in their natural
habitat.
GIANTS OF THE SEA
For most, the concept of Alaskan wildlife doesn't extend beyond polar
bears and salmon. But those who venture north know there's nothing like
the sight of a 40-ton humpback whale breaking the surface of the water
for air. During the summer months, more than 2,000 humpbacks are known
to feed in the waters off Alaska, offering visitors plenty of chances
to enjoy the splendor of these magnificent giants of the sea.
PUTTING ON A SHOW
Killer (orca) and beluga whales are equally abundant, as are the sociable
Pacific white-sided dolphins, which often entertain with their acrobatic
leaps and somersaults. In Prince William Sound, seals and sea lions
congregate along the shore and on chunks of glacier ice floating in
the water. But the animal that seems to be enjoying itself the most
is the irresistible sea otter, which often can be seen swimming on its
back or hugging a friend as they frolic together in the water.
SALMON-RICH WATERS
Another active denizen of the sea is the salmon, famous for its gravity-defying
leaps up waterfalls and streams in order to spawn. While this arduous
trek only occurs at the end of an adult salmon's life, it never fails
to coincide with feeding time for the brown bears that inhabit the Alaska
coastline.
"DENALI BIG FIVE"
Grizzly and black bears can be found farther inland, in places like
Denali National Park and Preserve, where a plethora of berries keeps
these permanent residents well fed. In addition to bears, Denali is
an ideal place to observe the wide-antlered caribou, moose, gray wolves
and Dall sheep, the latter identified by its curled horns. Together,
these wondrous animals constitute the "Denali Big Five," a
sightseer's dream.
A BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE
Flying high above it all is the majestic bald eagle, which boasts a
wingspan of up to eight feet. Some 40,000 bald eagles reside in Alaska
today, with most nesting near water for easy fishing. They are one of
more than 300 species of birds that can be found here, each a delight
to observe and photograph.
Other signature birds include the horned and tufted puffins, which
thrive on the western end of Prince William Sound and along the Kenai
Peninsula; the docile kittiwake, which nest in colonies along Glacier
Bay; and the red-tailed hawk, a fixture at Wrangell-St. Elias.
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