Wild Alaska

Moose (1998) Alaska Office of Economic Development (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems whenever I am asked about my time in Alaska, the questions turn to two species out of all that inhabit the nation's greatest state.  Those two animals are the two largest and probably potentially the most dangerous - moose and bear.

Alaskans are aware that with some simple precautions and common sense, the peril from these magnificent creatures is relatively low.  However, the peril does exist.

Recently a hunter paid quite a price for his hunting trip.  The son of a congressional candidate was mauled by a grizzly he had wounded as he hunted somewhat near McGrath.  Due to poor weather, his rescue was delayed, but it sounds like he will pull through.  You can read more about it HERE.

More people get hurt and are killed by moose in Alaska than bears, but that is mostly due to traffic accidents.  Most moose are in the interior of Alaska.  Certainly, moose are not thought of as being prominentHERE.

residents of southeast Alaska, but that seems to be changing a bit.  Juneau residents are seeing more of them around town.  You can read more about that

Much of Alaska's beauty is subtle, but those who don't know it think of the big and dangerous animals, as well as the more audacious landforms, glaciers, rivers, and ocean features.  That's okay.  Once visitors get there they are drawn into the real Alaska and are transformed for all their life. Those who are blessed to live in Alaska can absorb it at a natural pace.