The Nature of Alaska: An Introduction to Familiar Plants, Animals & Outstanding Natural Attractions (Waterford Press Field Guides) - Softcover

Kavanagh, James; Press, Waterford

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1583552995 ISBN 13: 9781583552995

Publisher: Waterford Press, 2018

Synopsis

America's last frontier is one of the great natural areas on earth. Alaska's rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, muskeg-bogs and open tundra are home to a rich array of wildlife including 105 species of mammals, 325 birds, hundreds of fresh- and saltwater fishes and thousands of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This beautifully illustrated field guide highlights more than 325 familiar plants and animals and dozens of the state's outstanding natural attractions. It is an indispensable single reference for amateur naturalists, students and tourists alike.

About this title

About the Author

Zoologist James Kavanagh has researched and written more than 450 publications pertaining to wildlife observation and outdoor recreation. His unique talent is in taking complex information and synthesizing the salient points to make knowledge about nature and the outdoors more accessible to novices, and to present quick, portable reference information for more experienced wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. His books have sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

BEARS
This group includes the largest terrestrial carnivores in the world. All are heavy-bodied, large-headed animals, with short ears and small tails. Their sense of smell is keen, though eyesight is generally poor. Key places to view vears are listed in the section on natural attractions.
Brown Bear, Ursus arctos
Size: 6-9 ft. (1.8-2.7 m)
Description: Distinguished by its large size, prominent shoulder hump and huge feet with prominent claws.
Habitat: Open habitats and forested areas throughout most of the state excluding the southeasternmost islands.
Comments: Three subspecies of brown bear are found in Alaska. One group lives in coastal areas and feeds primarily on salmon. A second group (often called 'grizzlies') are found in inland and northern habitats; these are typically smaller since they have less protein in their diet. A third group found on Kodiak Osland are classified as a separate subspecies since they are physically isolated. The huge Kodiak Island brown bears are considered the largest land carnivores in the world. Though the polar bear (U. maritimus) is larger still, it is considered a marine mammal.

Edition details

• Publisher: Waterford Press
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1583552995
• ISBN 13: 9781583552995
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Leung Raymond
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 176