Tips for spotting animals in Denali National Park on your Alaska Cruisetour

There are over 200 species of animals that make their home within Denali National Park’s six million acres. While Mt. McKinley may be the star of the park, the animals are truly what make the area an exciting place to visit. If your Alaskan cruise tour involves a stop in Denali, be sure to check out its impressive selection of wildlife. 

What will I see?

The most commonly-seen mammals in the park include foxes, marmots and arctic ground and red squirrels.

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

If you look up, don’t be surprised if a golden or bald eagle is flying directly overhead. There are 169 species of bird that live in the park and many will catch their prey right in front of you. 

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

You’re probably wondering about Denali’s animal celebrities – grizzly bears, wolves, caribou and Dall sheep. They’re in the park, but tend to stay away from the large groups of visitors. You may be able to see them, depending on how you tour the area.

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

How can I see the animals?

The safest way to encounter wildlife is by riding a tour bus on the Park Road. You will be sitting much higher than you would in a normal vehicle, allowing you to see deeper into the brush and fields.

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

If you have binoculars, there’s a good chance that you’ll spot a bear or wolf. 

You may also see wildlife while you’re hiking thorough the park. If you plan on hiking, be sure that you know what you to do if you encounter a wild animal. 

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Denali National Park and Preserve

Can you believe it? It’s already May, meaning that Alaska cruise season is almost in full swing. If you’re ready to head out on a trip of a lifetime, let the agents at CruiseExperts.com do the work for you. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website www.CruiseExperts.com.

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