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Not every animal can survive the cold dark winter months of Alaska. But those that can offer spectators something special to see. The exotic birds, bear, and water life are abundant, and amazing. Spectators come from around the world to observe the wildlife of America's 49th state.
Birds
Our nations bird, the bald eagle, is abundant in Alaska. More bald eagles live there, than in all other 49 states combined. The eight-foot wingspan of the male makes it visible from a great distance. The best place to see one is
near the Chilkat River, just north of the city Haines. The bald eagles come to the river to feed in October and November.
Of course, the bald eagle is not the only bird in Alaska. More than 400 different species have been discovered. Alaska's state bird is the willow ptarmigan. This bird that can change its feather color for different seasons, and was chosen to be the state bird by Alaska's school children.
Bears
Although mammals cover Alaska's wilderness, the bear is probably the one most spectators come to see. However, moose, sheep, caribou, red foxes, deer, and oxen are popular as well. While some call the bears grizzlies, most
experts believe grizzlies and brown bear are actually the same species. The brown bear can be seen in Katmai Park, along the Brooks River. There are two viewing platforms to see the brown bear feed on sockeye salmon in the river.
Sometimes the "close encounters" with the bear are so close, it requires visitors to move briskly from the platform. The best brown bear viewing is in July and September. Bears can be seen in August, but not as frequently.
Water life
Inland, the streams and rivers are full of fish, and on the sea, the whales capture visitors attention. Humpback, killer, and minke whales can be seen near Glacier Bay, outside Katmai Park, and in Turmagain Arm. Salmon fill almost every stream from July to mid-September. This is the time visitors can see the salmon swim upstream. It is a sight to see as thousands of the fish cram streams, rivers, even waterfalls.
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