The Alaska subspecies of moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest in the world; adult males weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds (542–725 kg), and adult females weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds (364–591 kg)[14] Alaska's substantial moose population is controlled by predators such as bears and wolves, which prey mainly on vulnerable calves, as well as by hunters.[14] Moose are often hunted for subsistence and recreation.[14]More information...
Alaska is home to the Rangifer tarandus grantisubspecies of caribou.[15] Caribou in Alaska generally are found in tundra and mountain regions, where there are few trees. However, many herds spend the winter months in the boreal forest areas.[15] Caribou in Alaska are abundant; currently there are an estimated 950,000 in the state.[15] The populations of caribou are controlled by predators and hunters (who shoot about 22,000 caribou a year).[15]More information...
The ancestors of the American bison (Bison bison) were introduced to Alaska in 1928.[16] In 2003, there were approximately 900 wild American bison in Alaska.[17] Their numbers are controlled by managed sport hunting, as predation is not common. Bison can occasionally be seen on their summer range from the Richardson Highway south of Delta Junction, on the Delta Junction Bison range and on the Delta Agricultural Project. Another sub-species of bison, the wood bison (b. b. athabascae) was once present in Alaska but is no longer.[18] There are plans to reintroduce wood bison to Alaska in the near future.[19]More information...
Mountain goats are found in the rough and rocky mountain regions of Alaska, throughout the Southeast and along the Coastal Mountains of the Cook Inlet.[20] Populations are generally confined in the areas of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. Mountain goats have been transplanted to the islands of Baranof and Kodiak, where they have maintained a steady population.[20] The mountain goat is the only representation in North America of the goat-like ungulates.[20] Very little was known about mountain goats up until 1900.[20] They constantly migrate to different areas from the alpine ridges in the summer, and to the tree-line in the winter.
Dall sheep live in the mountain regions of Alaska where there is rocky terrain and steep, inclined land.[21] The mountain setting is an ideal place for them to rest and feed.[21] They are occasionally seen below their usual high elevation only when food is scarce. Alaska contains a good size population of Dall sheep. In their rocky environment, they are able to avoid predators and human activities.
