Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the tallest mountain in Alaska and North America, standing at 20,310 feet tall. The mountain is not only a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, but it is also home to a diverse range of wildlife.
In this article, we will discover five animals that roam atop Alaska’s tallest mountain, including some of the most iconic species that can be found in Denali National Park.
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5 Animals That Roam Atop Alaska’s Tallest Mountain
Grizzly bears
Grizzly bears are one of the most iconic animals that can be found in Denali National Park, Alaska. These bears usually live as lone individuals, except for females accompanied by their cubs.
Research estimates that approximately 300-350 grizzlies roam the north side of the Alaska Range, and it’s thought that the south side has an even higher count thanks to the region’s many salmon streams.
Denali’s black and grizzly bears generally hibernate between October and April, and come May, they emerge from their dens in search of food. Bear sightings generally occur right through to mid-September, and dawn and dusk are usually the best times for wildlife watching.
Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting a grizzly bear by taking a guided bear viewing tour or by driving along the 92 miles of the Denali Park Road.
However, it is important to be cautious when encountering these large animals and to follow safety tips provided by the park.
Moose
Moose are another iconic species that can be found in Denali National Park, Alaska. There are approximately 1,800 moose on the north side of the Alaska Range in Denali National Park and Preserve.
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Moose are most likely to be seen in the first 15 miles of the Park Road, as they prefer forested and shrubby habitats. In the spring, moose are commonly seen close to the park entrance, sometimes even in the Denali Visitor Center campus and the Riley Creek Campground.
In the fall, moose tend to congregate between Miles 9 and 13 of the park road. Moose frequent the river valleys and forested hills on the north side of the Alaska Range inside Denali National Park.
Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting a moose by taking a guided wildlife tour or by driving along the park road. However, it is important to keep a safe distance from moose and to follow safety tips provided by the park.
Caribou
Caribou are another species that can be found in Denali National Park, Alaska. These animals are part of the deer family and are known for their large antlers, which are shed and regrown each year.
Mature caribou stand approximately four feet tall at the shoulder, eight feet in length and weigh from 130 to over 350 pounds. There are approximately 1,760 caribou in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Caribou are generally found in tundra regions and feed on a variety of willows, grasses, sedges, and lichens. They are migratory and have established rough seasonal patterns within the park. In the summer, caribou can be found in the high alpine areas, and in the winter, they move to lower elevations to avoid deep snow.
Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting caribou by taking a guided wildlife tour or by driving along the park road. However, it is important to keep a safe distance from caribou and to follow safety tips provided by the park.
Dall sheep
Dall sheep are another species that can be found in Denali National Park, Alaska. These white sheep are found only in central and Northern Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and northern British Columbia where mountain ranges provide favorable habitat.
Dall sheep are prevalent throughout the high mountains within the eastern and western-most portions of the park. They use the ridges and steep slopes for feeding and resting, and they are well adapted to living in the alpine environment.
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Dall sheep are known for their impressive curved horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds.
Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting Dall sheep by taking a guided wildlife tour or by driving along the park road. However, it is important to keep a safe distance from Dall sheep and to follow safety tips provided by the park.
Wolves
Wolves are another species that can be found in Denali National Park, Alaska. Denali is recognized as one of the best places in the world for people to see wolves in the wild.
Each year, hundreds of visitors see wolves along the Denali Park Road. More than anywhere else in Alaska, wolves in the eastern part of Denali provide significant benefits to tourism.
Wolves live in family groups called packs and travel over vast expanses of Alaskan terrain to hunt, feed, and raise pups. Although they are one of the most studied species in the park, researchers continue to discover more about wolves every year.
Biologists estimate that there are 70 wolves in 10 packs roaming the park, and the total population is biologically healthy. Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting wolves by taking a guided wildlife tour or by driving along the park road. However, it is important to keep a safe distance from wolves and to follow safety tips provided by the park.
FAQS
1. What animals can be found atop Alaska’s tallest mountain?
Denali, Alaska’s tallest mountain, is home to a diverse range of animals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.
2. When is the best time to see wildlife in Denali National Park?
The best time to see wildlife in Denali National Park is during the summer months, from May to mid-September. Dawn and dusk are usually the best times for wildlife watching.
3. How can I increase my chances of spotting wildlife in Denali National Park?
Visitors to Denali National Park can increase their chances of spotting wildlife by taking a guided wildlife tour or by driving along the park road. Staying along rivers usually means greater visibility, but greater chance of encountering a moose or bear. Hiking in high alpine zones tends to mean you have more visibility, so you can avoid any large animals you encounter before getting too close.
4. Is it safe to encounter large animals like moose and bears in Denali National Park?
It is important to be cautious when encountering large animals like moose and bears in Denali National Park. Visitors should keep a safe distance from these animals and follow safety tips provided by the park.
5. How many wolves are estimated to be roaming Denali National Park?
Biologists estimate that there are 70 wolves in 10 packs roaming Denali National Park, and the total population is biologically healthy.
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Category: Animals
