A Large variety of animal life could be found in Alaska. From the polar bear to the otter to the bowhead whale, Alaska is teeming with unique life in the animal kingdom. However, some of the wildlife in this Northern land is in danger. Environmental and human threats are providing for a grave outlook on the future of this once rich and fascinating world.
Brown bears once inhabited the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska in huge numbers. However, due to a decline in their quality of habitat the brown bear is on the list of endangered animals. The Kenai Peninsula is being formed by for residential, commercial and recreational uses and thus is cutting down the probabilities of survival for the brown bear of Alaska. Human development is pushing this sublime creature from its home and leaving it no alternatives for survival as they take over. It was once thought that Alaska would always be a sanctuary for these animals but it seems no place is to far for the destructive reach of humanity.
The American Peregrine Falcon is among the top predators in the food chain as they feed on other, smaller birds. The technique in which they hunt is brilliant as they swoop in at high speeds and at extreme angles. They’re powerful predators in Alaska. However, they’ve been less abundant not only in Alaska but in every location they inhabit from Mexico to Alaska due to pesticide ingestion. The most commonly known pesticide is DDT and though attempts have been made to decrease and hopefully eliminate the use of DDT the American Peregrine Falcon is decorating the skyline of Alaska much less.
The Bowhead Whale has made it to both the Alaska endangered species list and the Federal endangered species list. Bowhead whales only live in and around Arctic waters. However, due to commercial whaling the Bowhead whale in around the waters of Alaska is a rare sight. The Bowhead whale was announced an endangered species in 1973 and since commercial whaling has ceased. However, the numbers are not yet reassuring.
Sea otters, who live in the coastal waters of Alaska, were near extinction in the 18th and 19th century due to hunting. They made a valiant recovery only to be put back on both the Federal and Alaska list of endangered species in the 1990’s. However, there is some conflict as to how threatened they are, as they seem to be thriving in the Southeast areas of Alaska.
The Stellar Sea Lion is listed as an Alaska species of special concern and a Federal threatened species. Stellar sea lions are a large seal. The cause of the decline of stellar sea lions is unknown though there has been talk of disease, environmental circumstances and more.
It’s plain to see that Alaska as it once was is vanishing due to the destructive touch of humanity. There have been several organization put in place to aid in the restoration of species such as mentioned in this article, but the question is if it’s enough to stop the disappearance of this world before it’s too late.