Despite being the coldest state in the country, Alaska is home to hundreds of fascinating mammals, birds, and even a handful of reptiles and amphibians. The most common and notable of its large mammals would be the multiple species of bears, along with the moose, dall sheep, caribou, and gray wolf. At the same time, small animals like the pygmy shrew, Arctic ground squirrel, and snowshoe hare have also adapted to the extreme climate.
The bitter winters have not deterred the fish either, with numerous salmons, trouts, and other species inhabiting the Alaskan waters.
Most of the animals in the following list are native to the state unless mentioned otherwise.
List of Different Types of Animals That Live in Alaska
The cold climate of Alaska makes it unsuitable for reptiles. And yet, there has been multiple sigtings of sea turtles between 1963 and 2020 in the waters off the state’s coast. The 4 species found here are:
Like reptiles, amphibians need to be better equipped to tolerate the harsh cold of Alaska. Only a few species of frogs and salamanders live here, and they are:
Most large animals can be dangerous to humans, even the moose, if it perceives any immediate threat. Other animals that may pose a greater danger include the grizzly, polar bear, wolves, and killer whale.