Alaska Wildlife - Alaska Animals & Marine Life

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Land, sea and air — be surrounded by Alaska's wildlife

Alaska wildlife includes some of the most amazing animals on the planet, making it a dream destination for anyone who appreciates nature. See otters floating through the water or orca whales surfacing from the sea. In Denali National Park, look for the Big Five — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Head into the depths of the Inside Passage for the chance to see hundreds of animals on an Alaska cruise.

Alaska marine life

Humpback whale breaching with entire body emerging from ocean water creating large splash.

Massive humpback whales breach spectacularly in Alaska's waters, their 35-ton bodies creating unforgettable wildlife viewing moments.

Two orcas surfacing in dark blue water near forested coastline with tour boat visible in background.

Known as killer whales, orcas are Alaska's apex marine predators, fascinating cruise passengers with their power and intelligence.

Harbor seal resting on ice floe with icy water and snow-covered mountains in background.

Harbor seals lounge on ice floes and rocky shores, their graceful swimming contrasting with their clumsy movement on land.

Brown sea lion swimming at surface with head above water and whiskers visible against dark green water.

Powerful and agile, sea lions are impressive marine mammals capable of diving over 1,000 feet and holding their breath for 15 minutes.

Sea otter floating on back in calm blue water looking directly at camera with whiskers visible.

Adorable sea otters float on their backs in Alaska's coastal waters, using their dense fur and playful nature to survive in cold marine environments.

Salmon jumping vertically out of rushing waterfall with white water spray surrounding it.

Salmon runs are the lifeblood of Alaska's ecosystem, with thousands of fish leaping upstream in their remarkable journey to spawn.

Alaska animals on land

Black bear standing in tall grass on hillside with blue water and mountains visible in background.

From brown bears to black bears, Alaska's wilderness is home to thriving bear populations that roam coastlines, forests, and mountains.

Large bull moose with wide palmate antlers looking directly at camera with green grass and trees in background.

Standing over six feet tall, moose are Alaska's largest land mammals, often seen wandering forests and even urban areas in search of food.

Brown caribou with large branching antlers grazing on hillside with grass and shrubs.

Herds of migrating caribou, known as reindeer in other parts of the world, create a dramatic spectacle across Alaska's tundra landscape.

White mountain goat with black horns standing on fallen log with blurred rocky mountain terrain background.

Sure-footed mountain goats scale Alaska's steepest cliffs with ease, their thick white fur protecting them from harsh alpine conditions.

White Dall sheep with large curved horns standing on rocky outcrop with purple-blue sky background.

With their distinctive curved horns and white coats, Dall sheep navigate Alaska's mountainous terrain with remarkable agility.

Two wolves with gray and white fur standing together on grass with blurred green foliage background.

Traveling in packs across Alaska's vast wilderness, wolves are skilled hunters that play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Alaska birds

Bald Eagles
Puffins
Willow Ptarmigan

Bald eagle with white head and tail and dark brown body perched on moss-covered branch with forested mountains in background.

The iconic bald eagle thrives in Alaska's wilderness, where conservation efforts have helped these majestic birds flourish along coastlines and rivers.

Horned puffin with white face, black body, and bright orange-yellow beak perched on rocky cliff.

With their distinctive colorful beaks and charming waddle, puffins are among Alaska's most beloved seabirds, often spotted along coastal waters.

Brown willow ptarmigan with mottled feathers standing on rocky ground with blurred yellow-green background.

Alaska's state bird, the willow ptarmigan, adapts its plumage seasonally—brown in summer and white in winter—making it a remarkable sight in Denali National Park.

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