It’s hard to find another place in the U.S. that is as perfect for wildlife lovers as the State of Alaska. As the country’s Last Frontier, Alaska is home to an impressive array of wildlife species, expansive forests, pristine lakes and rivers, and other natural habitats that support both humans and animals.
That is why there are companies that specialize in providing wildlife tours in Alaska. These tours give travel bugs, adventurers, and wildlife-savvy individuals a chance to see Alaska’s fauna closer. The organizers can offer guided trips to known wildlife sanctuaries where travelers can have close encounters with bears, reindeers, salmon, and other creatures that roam the country’s mountains and waterways.
Here are five of the places that you must visit to experience the ultimate Alaskan wildlife adventure:
Denali State Park
Cover over 325,000 acres of land, the Denali State Park has wildlife in almost every square inch. As such, be ready to spot some brown bears foraging for food a few hundred yards away. You can also see some stunning forests and get a commanding view of Mt. McKinley – North America’s highest peak. There are options for a day hike while some others prefer days of backpacking adventures to fully experience the best that this place has to offer.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
This popular tourist destination is home to grizzly bears, coyotes, bald eagles, and even wood bison. At 200 acres, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is not just a place to see such wildlife up close but is also a place to learn about proper animal care, as well as their history and habits. In winter, be on the lookout for foxes, reindeers, wolves, and other animals that are most active when the snow has fallen.
Tongass National Forest
If you wish to see magnificent birds of prey in their full glory, then be sure to include the Tongass National Forest in your itineraries. In this wildlife center, you’ll find the iconic Bald Eagle and see falcons taking up to the air or even hunting for food. Some 100 to 200 such birds of prey are treated in this center each year and they will be freed once they have been properly rehabilitated by the center’s in-house staff.
Kenai Fjords National Park
If marine animals are your favorite, then the Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to go. Located east of Seward, this national park has close to 40 glaciers and boasts an array of marine wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and seals. There are boat tours available for you to join to see the wonderful marine animals that call the fjord their home. If you’re lucky, you can also observe over a hundred bird species hovering above your head or frolicking on the coast, including the majestic Bald Eagle.
Alaska’s national preserves
Take your pick from the Noatak, Yukon-Charley Rivers, and Bering Land Bridge national preserves. These popular wildlife destinations are protected, so you can expect to see healthy wildlife, such as moose, in great numbers.
Truly, Alaska has a lot to offer to wildlife lovers and adventurers who wish to see marine animals, forest animals, and birds in their natural habitat. Just be sure to book your tour with a reputable travel agency, so you can enjoy a safe and memorable Alaskan wildlife adventure.
