Thursday, September 12, 2013

Denali National Park - Animals

On this visit to the park we did not see several types of  animals like the wolf, lynx, etc. However we did see lots of wildlife and they are shown in this seciton.  Saw many small animals like this  ground squirrels

20130902_095957-Groumd squirrel

and this marmot

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As well as large ones like this female moose

IMG_0453-female moose in dead willow killed by snowshoe haire

eating willows that were killed by the large winter population of snowshoe hare feeding on the tree bark or this bull.

IMG_0454-Bull Moose

Bull moose will fight to the death during mating season . . many times by interlocking their racks and unable to separate them as shown by the set of antlers below

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There were caribou

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and the fox catching his dinner.

IMG_0345-red fox catches lunch (squirrel) Also many dall sheep

IMG_0472-2 sheep

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                                             20130901_094721-6 sheep across from Toplak rest area

The ptarmagins were just beginning to change their coats for winter white but they could still hid in full view

IMG_0440-ptarmagin hids in full view

              IMG_0448-Ptarmagin showing some winter white

Probably the most impressive to us and our fellow travelers were the mighty bears.

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IMG_0350=bear eating blueberries

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and the beautiful sight of mama and her twins.

IMG_0427-Mama and twin bears

We have had a great visit (4 nights with three  bus trips on our Tek Passes).  Saw lots of mountains, fall colors and animals but we are at the gatehouse so we will leave the area headed north to our next adventure.

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