The natural history of Alaska includes about 30,000 brown bears, up to 100,000 black bears, roughly 950,000 caribou, five species of Pacific salmon and hundreds of bird species, spread across ecosystems from rainforest to Arctic tundra.[1]
| Brown bears | About 30,000 |
|---|---|
| Black bears | Up to 100,000 |
| Polar bears | About 4,700 |
| Caribou | About 950,000 |
| Salmon species | 5 |
Land mammals
About 30,000 brown bears live in Alaska, roughly 98 percent of the U.S. population and 70 percent of North America’s. About 4,700 polar bears live in two populations, the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea. The Alaskan moose is the largest in the world. About 950,000 caribou live in the state. About 900 wild bison lived in Alaska in 2003, descended from 20 animals transplanted from Montana in 1928.[1]
Sea and shore
Orcas, sea lions, seals, sea otters and migratory whales are common near shore and offshore. Hundreds of bird species occur, especially on the coasts, including bald eagles, owls, falcons, ravens, ducks, geese and swans.[1]
Fish and other animals
The five Pacific salmon species are chum, sockeye, coho, Chinook and pink. Other fish include trout, Arctic char, grayling, halibut, pollock and burbot. Alaska has 3,708 recorded marine invertebrate species. Only 12 endangered species are listed, nearly all marine.[1]
FAQs
How many brown bears live in Alaska? About 30,000.
How many caribou are there? About 950,000.
Which salmon species occur? Chum, sockeye, coho, Chinook and pink.
Sources
Key facts
- 30,000 brown bears
- 950,000 caribou
- 12 listed endangered species
Quick checkBrown bear count?Show answer
About 30,000.
Sources
- Wikipedia. Wildlife of Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue