The Nature of Alaska An Introduction to Familiar Plants, Animals & Outstanding Natural Attractions

by Kavanagh, James; Leung, Raymond

• ISBN13: 9781583552995
• ISBN10: 1583552995
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2018-03-05
• Publisher: Waterford Press

Summary

The Nature of Alaska is an excellent field guide to familiar plants, animals and natural attractions. This soft cover book is a complete resource tool for the amateur as well as the avid nature lover. Color illustrations of species, maps of parks and sanctuaries, and a glossary offers on-the-go information.

Author Biography

James Kavanagh has written over 300 pocket guides to nature, science, travel and languages that have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. With degrees in zoology and marketing, James has a unique ability to condense complicated subjects.

Excerpts

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.

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Excerpted from The Nature of Alaska, 2nd: An Introduction to Familiar Plants and Animals and Natural Attractions by James Kavanagh
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.