Dangerous Animals in Alaska
Cougars, Bears and Moose, Oh My!
I will list here the most dangerous animals in Alaska, to prepare any visitors or new residents of the state. This article is not to scare anyone as wild animal attacks are rare even in Alaska, but they do happen. And as man intrudes more and more on the habitat of animals more human/animal encounters are bound to happen.
Bears in Alaska
When most people think of dangerous animals in Alaska, bears come to mind. Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears and Black Bears all live in Alaska and are dangerous to humans. For more on how to survive a bear attack, read this.
All bears are likely to run from humans even sometimes when they have cubs, they won't attack. However Grizzly Bears in particular will attack humans on occasion. Always be aware of your surroundings in bear country and secure any and all sources of food that may attract a bear. And of course if you are enjoying one of Alaska's many fishing lodges be careful that your catch does not bring a bear to you. This is another reason to use guides when fishing or hunting, the guides are experienced with bears.
Cougars in Alaska
Other than the bears a cougar is probably the most dangerous animal in Alaska. You seldom know a cougar is in the area before it is on you if it attacks. They are expert at not being seen or heard by potential prey. However mountain lions aka cougars are rare in Alaska and according to cougarfund.org lynx are often mistaken for cougars in the state. Of course a ticked off lynx is not something you want hanging off your back either! So there are some dangerous cats in Alaska.
Wolves in Alaska
Contrary to what you may believe fatal wolf attacks in Alaska (or anywhere) are very rare but they do occur. Of course a rabid animal will attack anything and wolves have been known to be rabid. Coyotes are another dangerous animal in Alaska whether rabid or not and are likely to kill pets for food if they can.
Moose in Alaska
The Moose may be the most dangerous animal in Alaska because it can hurt you even if it isn't attacking. Imagine going around a curve and hitting a moose with a car, not good for you! Moose can also take off running when startled and knock you down injuring you badly and Moose do indeed attack humans sometimes.
Sources
LA Times wolf article
Bears in Alaska
When most people think of dangerous animals in Alaska, bears come to mind. Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears and Black Bears all live in Alaska and are dangerous to humans. For more on how to survive a bear attack, read this.
All bears are likely to run from humans even sometimes when they have cubs, they won't attack. However Grizzly Bears in particular will attack humans on occasion. Always be aware of your surroundings in bear country and secure any and all sources of food that may attract a bear. And of course if you are enjoying one of Alaska's many fishing lodges be careful that your catch does not bring a bear to you. This is another reason to use guides when fishing or hunting, the guides are experienced with bears.
Cougars in Alaska
Other than the bears a cougar is probably the most dangerous animal in Alaska. You seldom know a cougar is in the area before it is on you if it attacks. They are expert at not being seen or heard by potential prey. However mountain lions aka cougars are rare in Alaska and according to cougarfund.org lynx are often mistaken for cougars in the state. Of course a ticked off lynx is not something you want hanging off your back either! So there are some dangerous cats in Alaska.
Wolves in Alaska
Contrary to what you may believe fatal wolf attacks in Alaska (or anywhere) are very rare but they do occur. Of course a rabid animal will attack anything and wolves have been known to be rabid. Coyotes are another dangerous animal in Alaska whether rabid or not and are likely to kill pets for food if they can.
Moose in Alaska
The Moose may be the most dangerous animal in Alaska because it can hurt you even if it isn't attacking. Imagine going around a curve and hitting a moose with a car, not good for you! Moose can also take off running when startled and knock you down injuring you badly and Moose do indeed attack humans sometimes.
Sources
LA Times wolf article
Published by Randy Inman
Im 42 years old, Grew up in North Carolina, and descend from the same family as the person the Inman Character was based on in the movie/book Cold Mountain. I run Footballdogz.com and love Pro Football. Spor... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentI would love to see a moose or grizzly in the wild from a safe distance or through a scope.
I'm going to be honest with you. Most of these animals aren't going to hurt you. In fact bears in most cases do not bother people. If you see them eating, mating, or with cubs then keep your distance. Never run. Because these animals will run after you and tackle you. They think it's a game or that you are prey. Do not keep bird seeds and garbage or food out in areas where these animals are prone,especially bears. It is we who encroached on their land. If they can learn to live with us, we can learn to live with them.