Everyone knows that Alaska is full of stunning wildlife and everyone should visit. Alaska's wildlife is both diverse and abundant with many animals in different ecological zones to see. The state has many wildlife tours for those who would like to see the best of the northern states' wildlife.

Arguably the best place to view wildlife in the United States (at least outside of Alaska) is in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is home to the richest collection of wildlife in the Lower 48 and includes brown bears, bison, wolves, and moose. Plan one's trip around the animal's migration and mating practices to get the most out of one's trip.

The Abundance of Wildlife in Alaska

Alaska boasts moose, caribou, bison, wolves, otters, beavers, foxes, bald eagles, falcons, turtles, deer, and many more wild animals. Many of the rivers are famously full of fish like salmon, graylings, char, trout, pike, pollock, halibut, and more.

Along the shores, one can find a lot of marine life like leatherback sea turtles, sea lions, whales (including humpbacks and gray whales), dolphins, killer whales, sea offers, seals, and more.

There are around 40,000 bald eagles in Alaska - most of which nest near water so that they can fish. Other notable birds include the horned and tufted puffins, the kittiwakes, the red-tail hawk, and many more. In total, there are over 300 species of birds that call Alaska home.

  • Bald Eagles: Over 40,00 Bald Eagles In Alaska

Moose are the largest member of the deer species and are very dangerous (so be careful of them). They are almost everywhere in Alaska, except on some of the region's islands and in the far north. There are hundreds of wild moose living within Anchorage's city limits and it is not uncommon to see one in a park.

  • Weight: A Male Can Weigh 1,600 Pounds
  • Antlers: The Male Loses The Antlers In The Winter
  • Tip: Don't Get Between The Moose (Cow) and Her Calves

Some of the wildlife is different to see elsewhere and the unspoiled expanses of Alaska are one of the world's premier places to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

There are around 1,100 vertebrate species that regularly occur in Alaska. It is a great state for taking pictures of the wildlife and it is a favorite of hunters.

The climate in Alaska is quite extreme, so be sure to plan ahead for when to go there.

Related: This Is How To Reach Denali, The Home Of The Tallest Mountain In America

Bears In Alaska

Brown bears are found in a few places in the Lower 48 (including Yellowstone National Park) and north into Canada. But the Alaskan Peninsula boasts around 70% of the total North American brown bear population (aka grizzlies). In addition, the region has many black bears and Kodiak bears (a type of brown bear).

  • Bears In Alaska: Brown Bears, Black Bears, and Polar Bears
  • Brown Bears: The Alaskan Peninsula Has Around 70% of The North American Brown Bear Population

In the northern extreme, one can find polar bears in places like Kuskokwim Delta, St. Matthew Island, and the southernmost portion of St. Lawrence Island.

Bears (except for polar bears) are not normally dangerous but should be treated with caution and respect. See the National Park Service for bear safety tips like never running, don't climb trees, don't leave food out, etc.

Bear viewing tours are extremely popular among Alaska visitors and are particularly rewarding in the summer months as they gorge on salmon. Many bear viewing tours begin and end in Anchorage at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base.

Related: You Can Go On A Polar Bear Tour In Canada's Arctic, So Prepare To Be In Awe Of This Incredible Species

Alaskan Wildlife Tours

There are far too many wildlife tours in Alaska to go through here but some include watching bears as they feed on salmon, others are fly-in excursions, some are coastal cruising expeditions along the coast, and others are multiday hiking and camping adventures into the wilderness.

  • Tours: Can Be Cruises, Fly-Ins, Canoeing Trips, Hiking Trips, And More
  • Tip: Plan Ahead Around The Seasons and Wildlife Behavior Patterns

The most popular national park in Alaska is Denali and there are various wildlife tours that one can take in that great national park. Here one can often spot moose, caribou, foxes, and even wolves against the region's stunning backdrop.

One example of a company offering wildlife tours is Brushbuck Wildlife Tours with a number of multiday tours to choose from in very different parts of the state. Another site that lists many tours is Alaska Tour and Travel.

One of the rewarding things about wildlife safaris in Alaska is that one is spotting the wildlife against the dynamic landscape features of crystalline glaciers, towering volcanoes, breathtaking waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes, meandering rivers, and more.

Next: This Island Has The Largest Bear Population In North America