| The majesty of a wild animal in their natural | | | | Some of Alaska's parks and sanctuaries afford |
| habitat is unmatched. Animal watching can be a | | | | the best chance of spotting one of these large |
| great way to catch a glimpse of the splendor of | | | | brown bears. |
| nature. A recreational hike or a ride through scenic | | | | Black Bear: May - September |
| roadways can afford one the opportunity to see | | | | The black bear has a much larger habitat, ranging |
| many animals. It is important to understand when | | | | from the Arctic Circle down to Mexico. It lives in |
| and where to see different animals so you are | | | | the forests and mountains, and like its brown bear |
| prepared when you strike out on a trek to spot | | | | counterpart, can be spotted from late spring to |
| that magnificent creature. Forays into nature | | | | early fall. Northern forests or the Appalachian |
| during late summer and early fall, August through | | | | mountain range make great areas to spot a black |
| October, are great times to catch some | | | | bear. It is active in the fall preparing for |
| magnificent sites. | | | | hibernation. This bear can often be spotted |
| Moose: August - October | | | | foraging in berry patches and along rivers. They |
| The moose is one of those great beasts that | | | | are also often found around dump sites, or |
| many people set out to spot. It can be seen | | | | anywhere food might be left unattended for long |
| throughout the Northern Hemisphere, especially in | | | | periods. The black bear is spooked easily so |
| the northern, coniferous forests. It is an | | | | observance from a distance is the best bet. |
| awe-inspiring animal that can reach heights of 7 | | | | Bison/Buffalo: July - October |
| feet and weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. It is | | | | Bison, or buffalo, are an endangered species due |
| easily spotted during a drive along undeveloped | | | | to extreme hunting practices during the early to |
| areas of the highway or through scenic roadways. | | | | mid-19th century. Most of the bison today are |
| They can also be spotted on trips down the | | | | located in Yellowstone National Park. They run |
| many waterways in New England. They like to | | | | free within the park and can be seen throughout |
| munch on the tender water plants and the ferns | | | | the area. Bison mate from July to early August |
| and young trees along clearings and roadways. | | | | and the calves are born in April or May. These |
| Late summer and early fall, as the nights begin to | | | | young bison can be seen in late spring and early |
| cool, is the best time to spot these giants. Early | | | | summer. Bison can be seen throughout the |
| morning and dusk are common times for moose | | | | summer and they are easy to spot on the |
| to be out and about. | | | | prairies during late summer and early fall as they |
| Grizzly Bear: June - September | | | | get ready for winter. |
| The grizzly bear can be seen along the Western | | | | It is important to be safe and give the animals |
| Mountain range, from Northern California to | | | | their distance when observing them. Many people |
| Alaska. Alaska and Western Canada have a higher | | | | have been seriously injured or killed due to pushing |
| population than the continental U.S. These bears | | | | too close. The animals will often ignore watchers |
| often make their way to the coast for the | | | | who keep a distance and this provides the best |
| running of the salmon and can be seen along | | | | opportunity to see them in their natural setting. |
| many streams and rivers. They can be seen | | | | Pack a lunch, put on the hiking boots, or jump in |
| from June to September fishing, lounging in the | | | | the car, and head out to watch these splendid |
| underbrush, or eating young shoots and berries. | | | | creatures. |