Denali's Wildlife

Visitors to Denali National Park will find the wildlife very approachable due to the nature of the Denali Bus Tours.   These animals seem unaware that the bus is any threat, and often wander right next to the tourist's lens. Here a Red Fox carrying a ground squirrel passes very close to the tour bus allowing a fairly good close-up photograph.

The Willow Ptarmigan is the state bird of Alaska.   This bird was very cooperative during this photo session.

Willow Ptarmigan turn almost completely white during the Winter, and are a mottled brown during the Summer.   During the Spring and Fall these birds can be found in transition and the contrasts can be quite beautiful. This male was caught in the lens early in the Spring while he was transitioning to the mottled brown.

After taking several photos of the male, I finally noticed that his mate was also nearby.   She was much more difficult to spot, but also had a unique beauty.

Beavers are common throughout much of Alaska.  They live in lakes and steams all through the Interior. Stan Baker took these photos in a pond along the highway just inside Denali National Park.

A close look at this Beaver shows the large, flat tail.  When alarmed a Beaver will slap the tail on the water as he dives for cover.  I have been startled more than a few times by a Beaver in this manner.

Moose are a favorite in Alaska.  They are the largest of the Ungulates.  The males can sport antler spreads in excess of 80 inches. Moose seem to prefer the soft mosses found on the bottom of shallow lakes.  This Cow is enjoying the meal and cool water on a Summer's evening.

It is very common for Moose to drop two calves.  These calves are just a few weeks old. There are not many animals more dangerous than a Cow Moose in defense of her calves.  This photo was taken from the safety of the car by my Dad.

This is one of my favorite photos.  These same two calves put on a show for my Dad. They look cute enough to pet, but Mama was surely close by to trample any intruder.

Millions of Waterfowl make their nests in Alaska.  Spring provides an excellent opportunity to see and photograph the many species found in the area. This Grebe is carrying a young Chick on it's back.

Dall Sheep are another favorite to see in Denali National Park.  These close relatives of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep maintain a white color all year round.  This makes them fairly easy to spot on the Summer hillside. It is quite uncommon to get close enough to these animals to get good photos, but Dad was lucky on one trip through the Park.

This is not an exceptionally well developed Ram.  In many areas, it is illegal to hunt a Ram that has less than a full curl. This Ram has about a three-fourths curl.

Caribou are common throughout Alaska.  There are more Caribou in the State than there are people.  They are a common sight in Denali National Park. Both Male and Female Caribou have Antlers.  The Males can develop extremely exagerrated Antlers that set them apart from the Females.  Caribou are the only Ungulates in North America that exhibit this characteristic.

Both of these Bull Caribou have developed mature antlers.  During the late Summer, the antlers on these animals can grow to as much as 3 inches per day. In the Fall, these Caribou will shed the velvet on these antlers and they will turn a bone-white.

I actually took this photo.  My Dad usually gets the props for the Wildlife photos. This young Ram had climbed up over a small ledge and out of sight.  I grabbed my Father's camera and climbed up over the ledge and caught the Ram as he evaded me.

Grizzly Bears are a favorite for visitors to Denali National Park.  Few visitors are disappointed in their quest to see a Bear from the bus.  Unfortunately, the Bears usually do not come close enough for quality photos. These Interior Bears are not as large as their Coastal counterparts (though the same species).  These Bears are digging for Voles (Mice).  Coastal Bears grow fat feasting on Salmon.