. Wildlife in Alaska is everywhere, in such variety, abundance, and beauty. These are some of the critters we saw during our 2008 Adventures in Alaska. slides/artic_ground_squirrel.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Arctic Ground squirrel at Haines Highway Summit, British Columbia Highway 4, on a cold and snowy day. He was somewhat upset with us for being in his territory and kept on eye on us. What a busy and noisy critter but so cute. True, Haines Highway Summit isn’t above the Arctic Circle but the area is tundra and that’s where these critters call home. The Inupiat Eskimos name for the Arctic Ground squirrel is “tsik-tsik” for the alarm sound it makes. As you can see here, the Arctic Ground squirrel has a beige and tan coat with a white-spotted back, a short face, small ears, a dark tail and white markings around its eyes. Arctic Ground squirrel at Haines Highway Summit, British Columbia Highway 4, on a cold and snowy day. He was somewhat upset with us for being in his territory and kept on eye on us. What a busy and noisy critter but so cute. True, Haines Highway Summit isn’t above the Arctic Circle but the area is tundra and that’s where these critters call home. The Inupiat Eskimos name for the Arctic Ground squirrel is “tsik-tsik” for the alarm sound it makes. As you can see here, the Arctic Ground squirrel has a beige and tan coat with a white-spotted back, a short face, small ears, a dark tail and white markings around its eyes. slides/artic_ground_squirrel.jpg slides/bald eagle_fr_23-5.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 This Bald eagle was on Prince of Wales (POW) Island between Klawock and Coffman Cove. Eagles are common as crows throughout the Tongass National Forest (southeast Alaska). With up to a 7-foot wingspan, the Bald eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Adults are 3 to 3 ½ feet tall and weigh 8 to 15 pounds. They can fly to altitudes of 10,000 ft or more and soar aloft for hours using wind currents and thermal updrafts. A good place to look for a Bald eagle, like this one, is in the upper branches of a tall tree. This Bald eagle was on Prince of Wales (POW) Island between Klawock and Coffman Cove. Eagles are common as crows throughout the Tongass National Forest (southeast Alaska). With up to a 7-foot wingspan, the Bald eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Adults are 3 to 3 ½ feet tall and weigh 8 to 15 pounds. They can fly to altitudes of 10,000 ft or more and soar aloft for hours using wind currents and thermal updrafts. A good place to look for a Bald eagle, like this one, is in the upper branches of a tall tree. slides/bald eagle_fr_23-5.jpg slides/bald-eagle-pair-lynn-channel.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 A Bald eagle pair on a lonely rocky island in the Lynn Canal. We had a great time cruising around Lynn Canal, north of Juneau, Alaska, in a private boat seeing sights like this one. Its hard for us to tell if this pair are male and female. Like many predatory birds, the female is larger than the male, but size cannot be used conclusively for identification. A Bald eagle pair on a lonely rocky island in the Lynn Canal. We had a great time cruising around Lynn Canal, north of Juneau, Alaska, in a private boat seeing sights like this one. Its hard for us to tell if this pair are male and female. Like many predatory birds, the female is larger than the male, but size cannot be used conclusively for identification. slides/bald-eagle-pair-lynn-channel.jpg slides/bald_eagle_salmon.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Bald eagle with salmon seen during our Lynn Canal cruise. The Bald eagle’s fishing style is to swoop down and seize fish in their powerful, long and sharp talons (approximately 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in each foot) and carry their food off in flight. An eagle has difficulty carrying anything greater than its own weight. When we first spotted this eagle in the water, the thought was it had tried for a fish and gotten its wings too wet for lift off. It was swimming to shore doing a “Butterfly” stroke with its powerful wings. We cheered it on and were so pleased to see it make the shoreline than shocked to see it pull a salmon (estimated to weigh 10 pounds) up out of the water with its wet self. That Bald eagle worked to hard to share that salmon with any one. (Can’t remember the average ratio for a Bald eagle attempts to success at catching a fish but I remember thinking Babe Ruth had a better batting average.) Bald eagle with salmon seen during our Lynn Canal cruise. The Bald eagle’s fishing style is to swoop down and seize fish in their powerful, long and sharp talons (approximately 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in each foot) and carry their food off in flight. An eagle has difficulty carrying anything greater than its own weight. When we first spotted this eagle in the water, the thought was it had tried for a fish and gotten its wings too wet for lift off. It was swimming to shore doing a “Butterfly” stroke with its powerful wings. We cheered it on and were so pleased to see it make the shoreline than shocked to see it pull a salmon (estimated to weigh 10 pounds) up out of the water with its wet self. That Bald eagle worked to hard to share that salmon with any one. (Can’t remember the average ratio for a Bald eagle attempts to success at catching a fish but I remember thinking Babe Ruth had a better batting average.) slides/bald_eagle_salmon.jpg slides/bison-baby.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 This Bison calf is from the same herd as the magnificent bull. This little guy was hidden in the grass just a little ways from our motorhome. It didn’t move or try to get up but stayed put. A couple of cows eyed us for a while but must have decided we were harmless and moved on, leaving the calf hidden right under our noses. Most baby bison are born in May. Calves can stand within 30 minutes of birth, run within hours, and begin grazing within a week. This Bison calf is from the same herd as the magnificent bull. This little guy was hidden in the grass just a little ways from our motorhome. It didn’t move or try to get up but stayed put. A couple of cows eyed us for a while but must have decided we were harmless and moved on, leaving the calf hidden right under our noses. Most baby bison are born in May. Calves can stand within 30 minutes of birth, run within hours, and begin grazing within a week. slides/bison-baby.jpg slides/bison_bull.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Bison bull in a free ranging herd along the Alaska Highway just east of Coal River, Yukon. The Bison is North America's largest native land mammal. Bulls stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, 10 feet long from nose to tail, and can weigh more than a ton. The Plains bison (seen here) are not native to Alaska or northwest Canada. Twenty-three of these shaggy beasts were brought to Fairbanks in 1928 and released near Delta Junction. Since then, that herd has grown to 475 animals, making it one of the largest free-ranging buffalo herds in the world. Animals from the Delta herd have been used to start other herds, like the one this beauty boy belongs to. There were at least 100 head of bison in this herd and except for one with a “bum” leg (it appeared a rear leg had been broken and healed badly), all the members appeared healthy. Bison bull in a free ranging herd along the Alaska Highway just east of Coal River, Yukon. The Bison is North America's largest native land mammal. Bulls stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, 10 feet long from nose to tail, and can weigh more than a ton. The Plains bison (seen here) are not native to Alaska or northwest Canada. Twenty-three of these shaggy beasts were brought to Fairbanks in 1928 and released near Delta Junction. Since then, that herd has grown to 475 animals, making it one of the largest free-ranging buffalo herds in the world. Animals from the Delta herd have been used to start other herds, like the one this beauty boy belongs to. There were at least 100 head of bison in this herd and except for one with a “bum” leg (it appeared a rear leg had been broken and healed badly), all the members appeared healthy. slides/bison_bull.jpg slides/black_bear_rt37.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 A Black bear seen crossing British Columbia Route 37 on the way back from Hyder, Alaska. We must have seen a dozen Black bears on this sidetrip to Hyder. Most were leery of us and quickly scampered off when they saw us except this one. The roadway was lined with dandelions in full bloom and this bear was making a beeline for another patch. Black bears load up with carbohydrate-rich berries during the summer to help them get through the winter. We were told dandelions are a favorite food of Black bears after their winter of hibernating and the bears we saw that day confirmed this statement. In coastal areas, Black bears collect along streams in mid-summer to feast on spawning salmon as can be seen at the Bear Viewing area in Hyder. With a bounty of berries and fish, 300 pound Black bears are common in Alaska and heavier ones are reported to live on POW. A Black bear seen crossing British Columbia Route 37 on the way back from Hyder, Alaska. We must have seen a dozen Black bears on this sidetrip to Hyder. Most were leery of us and quickly scampered off when they saw us except this one. The roadway was lined with dandelions in full bloom and this bear was making a beeline for another patch. Black bears load up with carbohydrate-rich berries during the summer to help them get through the winter. We were told dandelions are a favorite food of Black bears after their winter of hibernating and the bears we saw that day confirmed this statement. In coastal areas, Black bears collect along streams in mid-summer to feast on spawning salmon as can be seen at the Bear Viewing area in Hyder. With a bounty of berries and fish, 300 pound Black bears are common in Alaska and heavier ones are reported to live on POW. slides/black_bear_rt37.jpg slides/caribou.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Caribou roaming along the Alaska Highway west of Muncho Lake. Male caribou weigh from 350 to 400 pounds and females can weigh from 175 to 225 pounds. Both are dark brown with a white on their neck, rump and feet. The calves are usually reddish brown and the herd’s cows deliver their calves within a five day span of time. Caribou are always on the move. If there isn’t enough food in one place they just move to another place. They eat grasses, sedges and leaves, willows and dwarf birches in the summer, and lichens (reindeer moss) and dried sedges in the winter. Caribou are the only member of the deer family in which both sexes grow antlers (note the “Y” on the head of the caribou on right). Caribou roaming along the Alaska Highway west of Muncho Lake. Male caribou weigh from 350 to 400 pounds and females can weigh from 175 to 225 pounds. Both are dark brown with a white on their neck, rump and feet. The calves are usually reddish brown and the herd’s cows deliver their calves within a five day span of time. Caribou are always on the move. If there isn’t enough food in one place they just move to another place. They eat grasses, sedges and leaves, willows and dwarf birches in the summer, and lichens (reindeer moss) and dried sedges in the winter. Caribou are the only member of the deer family in which both sexes grow antlers (note the “Y” on the head of the caribou on right). slides/caribou.jpg slides/caribou_denali_np.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Caribou with a glorious “rack” in Denali NP. Did you know Alaska has almost twice as many caribou as people? The largest herd is the Western Arctic herd but the small herd in Denali NP has provided scientists with a wealth of knowledge. Biologists value this research because, we are told, the Denali Herd is the only barren-ground caribou herd in North America It also shares its range with a natural complement of large predators so populations of both predator and prey are naturally regulated. Caribou with a glorious “rack” in Denali NP. Did you know Alaska has almost twice as many caribou as people? The largest herd is the Western Arctic herd but the small herd in Denali NP has provided scientists with a wealth of knowledge. Biologists value this research because, we are told, the Denali Herd is the only barren-ground caribou herd in North America It also shares its range with a natural complement of large predators so populations of both predator and prey are naturally regulated. slides/caribou_denali_np.jpg slides/dungness-crab.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Dungeness crab taken from a Prince of Wales Island estuary. Chuck, a resident of POW, offered to take us with him to check his crab pots. We accepted his generous offer and had a good time seeing parts of POW we would never have been able to discover without him. Chuck must have checked more than half a dozen crab pots and each had a crab in it. We learned the Dungeness crab inhabits eel-grass beds and muddy to sandy bottoms in low intertidal areas to depths in excess of 600 ft and are found from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to south of San Francisco. The Dungeness crab has a broad, oval body covered by a hard shell, four pairs of walking legs and a pair of claws. This crab can be distinguished from other crabs, such as King, by its smaller and shorter legs and a lack of spines on the top side of its shell. Chuck had good harvest and, following the Tlingit Indian tradition, started making a mental list of who he was going to share his bounty with back in Coffman Cove. Dungeness crab taken from a Prince of Wales Island estuary. Chuck, a resident of POW, offered to take us with him to check his crab pots. We accepted his generous offer and had a good time seeing parts of POW we would never have been able to discover without him. Chuck must have checked more than half a dozen crab pots and each had a crab in it. We learned the Dungeness crab inhabits eel-grass beds and muddy to sandy bottoms in low intertidal areas to depths in excess of 600 ft and are found from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to south of San Francisco. The Dungeness crab has a broad, oval body covered by a hard shell, four pairs of walking legs and a pair of claws. This crab can be distinguished from other crabs, such as King, by its smaller and shorter legs and a lack of spines on the top side of its shell. Chuck had good harvest and, following the Tlingit Indian tradition, started making a mental list of who he was going to share his bounty with back in Coffman Cove. slides/dungness-crab.jpg slides/elk_at_awcc.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Elk resting at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through public education. It accepts injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides quality care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center.) Elk in Alaska are found on Afognak and Raspberry Islands off of Kodiak Island. Like the Plains bison, many of the elk at AWCC were once ranch animals. Elk resting at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through public education. It accepts injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides quality care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center.) Elk in Alaska are found on Afognak and Raspberry Islands off of Kodiak Island. Like the Plains bison, many of the elk at AWCC were once ranch animals. slides/elk_at_awcc.jpg slides/grizzly_cubs_denali2-a.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Grizzly bear cubs playing near Denali NP’s Igloo Canyon. Photo was taken during the Polychrome Shuttle bus ride. Grizzly bears (in Alaska they’re called Brown bears) usually live as individuals so seeing this pair together and playing was a super treat. The grizzly bear is characterized by a distinctive hump on the shoulders, a slightly dished profile to the face, and long claws on the front paws. Alaska has more than 98 percent of the U.S. population of Grizzly, as known in Alaska as Brown, bears. Biologists estimate there are about 30,000 in Alaska. We saw three during our adventures in Alaska - these two and another solitary bear munching dandelions east of Tok, Alaska. Grizzly bear cubs playing near Denali NP’s Igloo Canyon. Photo was taken during the Polychrome Shuttle bus ride. Grizzly bears (in Alaska they’re called Brown bears) usually live as individuals so seeing this pair together and playing was a super treat. The grizzly bear is characterized by a distinctive hump on the shoulders, a slightly dished profile to the face, and long claws on the front paws. Alaska has more than 98 percent of the U.S. population of Grizzly, as known in Alaska as Brown, bears. Biologists estimate there are about 30,000 in Alaska. We saw three during our adventures in Alaska - these two and another solitary bear munching dandelions east of Tok, Alaska. slides/grizzly_cubs_denali2-a.jpg slides/humpback_whale.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Humpback whale are seen throughout the Inside Passage. This one was observed in Lynn Canal north of Juneau. We saw several of these magnificent and huge mammals. All were cruising peacefully along the surface, gilding along for a little bit then taking a shallow dive, returning to the surface and blowing a misty breath. They would repeat this a few times then appear to arch their back (as seen in this photo) for a deeper dive. These amazing creatures can hold their breath for 20 minutes or more so when you see that arch, it’s time to start looking for another whale. Hint: When you least expect to see a whale, whether Humpback, Orca, Beluga, etc, it will appear so be patience and don’t stop scanning the water’s surface. Humpback whale are seen throughout the Inside Passage. This one was observed in Lynn Canal north of Juneau. We saw several of these magnificent and huge mammals. All were cruising peacefully along the surface, gilding along for a little bit then taking a shallow dive, returning to the surface and blowing a misty breath. They would repeat this a few times then appear to arch their back (as seen in this photo) for a deeper dive. These amazing creatures can hold their breath for 20 minutes or more so when you see that arch, it’s time to start looking for another whale. Hint: When you least expect to see a whale, whether Humpback, Orca, Beluga, etc, it will appear so be patience and don’t stop scanning the water’s surface. slides/humpback_whale.jpg slides/moose.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Moose live in the wilds and in the city. This moose seemed to know we were there and gave us a variety of poses. Seven feet at the shoulder, the moose is in the largest member of the deer family. Males in prime condition weigh from 1,200 to 1,600 pounds and females can weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds. Only the bulls have antlers. A full grown moose can take on anything and mama moose are especially dangerous. There are more reported moose attacks than bear so recommend giving these magnificent funny looking critters a lot of respect and extra space. Moose live in the wilds and in the city. This moose seemed to know we were there and gave us a variety of poses. Seven feet at the shoulder, the moose is in the largest member of the deer family. Males in prime condition weigh from 1,200 to 1,600 pounds and females can weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds. Only the bulls have antlers. A full grown moose can take on anything and mama moose are especially dangerous. There are more reported moose attacks than bear so recommend giving these magnificent funny looking critters a lot of respect and extra space. slides/moose.jpg slides/moose_and_calf_quartz_crk.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 This moose and calf were seen wandering through Chugach National Forest’s Quartz Creek campground near Cooper Landing on Kenai peninsula. What a surprise! This moose and calf were seen wandering through Chugach National Forest’s Quartz Creek campground near Cooper Landing on Kenai peninsula. What a surprise! slides/moose_and_calf_quartz_crk.jpg slides/moose_at_awcc.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) where they have more than just this one but this big boy had the best looking antlers. The moose is a celebrated symbol of the Alaskan wilderness. Why is anyone's guess. Moose can be irritable and fiercely protective—they've been known to charge people, horses, cars, and even locomotives. They remind me of our local javelina - so ugly they are cute. A moose can loose a pint of blood in a day to mosquitoes and they protect themselves from mosquitoes and other biting insects by submerging themselves in shallow ponds. This is where they also find tender water plants to munch. Moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) where they have more than just this one but this big boy had the best looking antlers. The moose is a celebrated symbol of the Alaskan wilderness. Why is anyone's guess. Moose can be irritable and fiercely protective—they've been known to charge people, horses, cars, and even locomotives. They remind me of our local javelina - so ugly they are cute. A moose can loose a pint of blood in a day to mosquitoes and they protect themselves from mosquitoes and other biting insects by submerging themselves in shallow ponds. This is where they also find tender water plants to munch. slides/moose_at_awcc.jpg slides/sea_lions-big-guy.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Stellar sea lion bull with some lady-friends at a “haulout” along Lynn Canal. The average adult male Steller sea lion is 9 feet in length and 1500 lbs. The average adult female is 7 feet in length and 600 lbs. At birth, Steller sea lions weigh 45 lbs. and are 3 feet in length. They are generally aggressive and very vocal with grumbles, growls, and roars. Adult males establish territories and aggressively defend them. Note long whiskers and coarse hair around the males neck. Stellar sea lion bull with some lady-friends at a “haulout” along Lynn Canal. The average adult male Steller sea lion is 9 feet in length and 1500 lbs. The average adult female is 7 feet in length and 600 lbs. At birth, Steller sea lions weigh 45 lbs. and are 3 feet in length. They are generally aggressive and very vocal with grumbles, growls, and roars. Adult males establish territories and aggressively defend them. Note long whiskers and coarse hair around the males neck. slides/sea_lions-big-guy.jpg slides/sea_lions.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Stellar sea lions resting on a buoy in Lynn Canal. Steller sea lions have large, bulging eyes, and flat, square noses. They also have long whiskers used to navigate underwater and find prey. The ears of a Steller sea lion are visible and are turned downwards. Steller sea lions gather on haulouts, such as this buoy, and rookeries (safe places beaches where young are born and raised) and will travel great distances (up to 250 miles) to find food. As adult males age, they develop a “mane” of long, coarse hair and this is probably why they are called “lions,” that and their vibrating roar. Steller sea lions are particularly agile on land and are the largest member of the “eared” seal family. Differences between Stellar sea lions and Harbor seals are: Stellar sea lions are able to support themselves on their front flippers and “walk,” seals can’t; Harbor seals move like inchworms on land; Sea lions are noisy and territorial in their breeding ground; and, Harbor seals rarely vocalize and are shy. Stellar sea lions resting on a buoy in Lynn Canal. Steller sea lions have large, bulging eyes, and flat, square noses. They also have long whiskers used to navigate underwater and find prey. The ears of a Steller sea lion are visible and are turned downwards. Steller sea lions gather on haulouts, such as this buoy, and rookeries (safe places beaches where young are born and raised) and will travel great distances (up to 250 miles) to find food. As adult males age, they develop a “mane” of long, coarse hair and this is probably why they are called “lions,” that and their vibrating roar. Steller sea lions are particularly agile on land and are the largest member of the “eared” seal family. Differences between Stellar sea lions and Harbor seals are: Stellar sea lions are able to support themselves on their front flippers and “walk,” seals can’t; Harbor seals move like inchworms on land; Sea lions are noisy and territorial in their breeding ground; and, Harbor seals rarely vocalize and are shy. slides/sea_lions.jpg slides/sea_otter_kenai_fiords.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Sea otter just beyond the Seward Big Boat Harbor. Otters have to be the cutest critters in Alaska. We saw evidence of River otters but never caught a glimpse of one. This friendly guy seems to be posing for us as we passed it on the way to Kenai Fjord National Park. These cute members of the weasel family were heavily hunted but I think they are now protected by the Endangers Species Act. Several places had Sea otter pelts and, with 850,000 hairs per square inch, they are luxurious which may explain why they were hunted as heavily. Sea otter just beyond the Seward Big Boat Harbor. Otters have to be the cutest critters in Alaska. We saw evidence of River otters but never caught a glimpse of one. This friendly guy seems to be posing for us as we passed it on the way to Kenai Fjord National Park. These cute members of the weasel family were heavily hunted but I think they are now protected by the Endangers Species Act. Several places had Sea otter pelts and, with 850,000 hairs per square inch, they are luxurious which may explain why they were hunted as heavily. slides/sea_otter_kenai_fiords.jpg slides/sitka_deer.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 Sitka black-tailed deer on Prince of Wales Island has no upper teeth so they mash their food with the roof of their mouth and their tongue. It is characteristically smaller than other types of black-tailed deer, possibly due to its typical island habitat. It is also a fairly good swimmer, and have been seen crossing deep canals between islands. This deer is native to the wet coastal rain forests of Southeast Alaska and north-coastal British Columbia. Their average life span is about 10 years, but a few are known to have attained an age of at least 15. Sitka black-tailed deer on Prince of Wales Island has no upper teeth so they mash their food with the roof of their mouth and their tongue. It is characteristically smaller than other types of black-tailed deer, possibly due to its typical island habitat. It is also a fairly good swimmer, and have been seen crossing deep canals between islands. This deer is native to the wet coastal rain forests of Southeast Alaska and north-coastal British Columbia. Their average life span is about 10 years, but a few are known to have attained an age of at least 15. slides/sitka_deer.jpg slides/stone_sheep-ewes.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 A small herd of Stone sheep ewes, down from the mountain looking for salt spread on the roads that melts the ice during the winter, along Muncho Lake shoreline on Alaska Highway. They posed a real traffic hazard on a road heavily used by tourists in recreational vehicles, locals in pick-up trucks, and long distance truckers. Stone sheep are a wild sheep of the mountainous regions of northwest North America and are related to the Dall sheep. While the Dall sheep is white to slate brown with yellowish brown horns, the Stone sheep is a slaty brown with some white patches on the rump and inside the hind legs and a somewhat heavier horn. Both males and females have horns but the female’s horns are shorter and not as massive as the male. A small herd of Stone sheep ewes, down from the mountain looking for salt spread on the roads that melts the ice during the winter, along Muncho Lake shoreline on Alaska Highway. They posed a real traffic hazard on a road heavily used by tourists in recreational vehicles, locals in pick-up trucks, and long distance truckers. Stone sheep are a wild sheep of the mountainous regions of northwest North America and are related to the Dall sheep. While the Dall sheep is white to slate brown with yellowish brown horns, the Stone sheep is a slaty brown with some white patches on the rump and inside the hind legs and a somewhat heavier horn. Both males and females have horns but the female’s horns are shorter and not as massive as the male. slides/stone_sheep-ewes.jpg slides/stone_sheep-ram.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 An independent lone Stone sheep ram enjoys salt leftover from the winter’s road maintenance. Males live in bands which seldom associate with female groups except during the mating season, late November and early December. Lambs are born in May. Males weight 180 to 220 lb and are 40 inches at the shoulder. Note the transmitter collar used to help research and track the area’s Stone sheep population. An independent lone Stone sheep ram enjoys salt leftover from the winter’s road maintenance. Males live in bands which seldom associate with female groups except during the mating season, late November and early December. Lambs are born in May. Males weight 180 to 220 lb and are 40 inches at the shoulder. Note the transmitter collar used to help research and track the area’s Stone sheep population. slides/stone_sheep-ram.jpg slides/wood_bison_at_awcc.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:53:39 -0700 Jalbum 8.0 slides/wood_bison_at_awcc.jpg