Mammal

Snow can fall any month of the year in Denali, and is fairly common in May.

Dall sheep ewe and tiny lamb Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A caribou in autumn Public domain photograph of a deer, elk, wild animal,wildlife, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Seen at the beginning of August, this snowshoe hare has a few patches of winter-white mottling his fur. Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a rabbit and a hare? There are many but one of the m More

Caribou on tundra with mountains in background Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

A Dall sheep eating dried vegetation Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A red fox running along the Denali Park Road Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A Dall sheep perched on a steep mountainside

Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in small groups like this, or sometimes in herds of thousands. This species has seen thousands of years of gorgeous fall colors. Migrating caribou in the distance

A river otter tries to lay low in her holt with her pups. A typical litter size for river otters is one to three pups. The pups will stay with their mother for about a year.

A band of Dall sheep seen at a distance, from above

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) employ a unique feeding technique called 'bubble net feeding'. The group will swim in a shrinking circle while blowing bubbles below a school of fish. This shrinking col More

Marmots in Denali can often be seen perched on rocks at higher elevations.

Visitors in Denali ride one of several types of buses, which will stop whenever wildlife can be seen. Caribou often walk on or near the park's sole road.

A porcupine follows its parent across the Denali Park Road Public domain photograph of wildlife, animals, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Denali Park Road winds through mountains and hills, resulting in the north side of the road often being uphill.

Caribou in autumn Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Red foxes, despite the name, can range in color from red to black to a sort of calico mix of tan and brown shades. A fox that isn't very red is sometimes called a 'cross fox.'

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) employ a unique feeding technique called 'bubble net feeding'. The group will swim in a shrinking circle while blowing bubbles below a school of fish. This shrinking col More

Caribou Public domain photograph of a deer, elk, wild animal,wildlife, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caribou on the Denali Park Road Public domain photograph of wildlife, animals, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

These two bull caribou were sentinels on alert, making certain the herd was safely out of range of the wolf that had been pursuing them. Did you know that caribou are the only members of the deer family in whic More

The fall migration in 2013 has been slow, so these caribou take plenty of time to grazeand rest as they meander south. Caribou on tundra with mountains in background

Red foxes, despite the name, can range in color from red to black to a sort of calico mix of tan and brown shades. A fox that isn't very red is sometimes called a 'cross fox.'

Two caribou on a hilltop Public domain photograph of a deer, elk, wild animal,wildlife, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

On my way down from Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park in January, I spotted this Cascade Red Fox along the side of the road in the snow and pulled off in the adjacent pullout to snap her picture, and then More

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their conspicuous ears, which, you've probably guessed, resemble those of a mule. Distinguish this deer from white-tailed deer with just a few comparisons: the ears More

Red foxes, despite the name, can range in color from red to black to a sort of calico mix of tan and brown shades. A fox that isn't very red is sometimes called a 'cross fox.'

Migrating caribou in the distance Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caribou blend into their arctic surroundings very well. How many do you see here at first glance? At second glance? Caribou walk across the tundra

The hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) inhabits the mountains of northwest North America, living near the tree line on slopes. These areas provide grasses to eat and rocky areas for cover. It is the largest N. Ame More

A red fox in Denali Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A porcupine walks across the Denali Park Road Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A red fox in Denali Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

This artiodactyl (even-toed) mammal is indigenous to North America. Commonly known simply as pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), it is the fastest land animal in North America, able to reach 60 miles per hour! D More

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A red fox leaves evidence of its passage Public domain photograph of wildlife, animals, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A young caribou strolling along the Denali Park Road Public domain photograph of wildlife, animals, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A Cascade Red Fox active during Paradise's long winter. Photo by Kevin Bacher.

A Dall sheep feeding on tundra plants on a steep ridge

A red fox in Denali Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A Dall sheep ram in Denali Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caribou walk across the tundra Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A red fox in Denali Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in small groups like this, or sometimes in herds of thousands. This species has seen thousands of years of gorgeous fall colors. Migrating caribou in the distance

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1 transport Koa, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, to an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HELMINERON) 14 during a More

American bison are found only in North America. Sometimes historically referred to as 'buffalo', it is actually only very distantly related to the true buffalo. Due to their size, bison have few modern era pred More

Distant caribou on fall tundra Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

White caribou teeth lying on tundra

Stark white teeth are a reminder of the life and death cycle of individuals in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd. Caribou are an important prey species for bears, wolves, and humans alike. White caribou teeth lyi More

A pair of coyotes crossing Schooner Creek at low tide on October 30, 2013.

Bobcats are solitary and not often seen during the day. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal that appeared around 1.8 million years ago. Twelve subspecies are currently recognized. This adaptable More

A caribou in Denali Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Two healthy-looking caribou in late summer or early autumn Public domain photograph of a deer, elk, wild animal,wildlife, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

An otter lays on the muddy bank of the Cuyahoga River. River otters have long tails that are slightly flattened horizontally. Notice the otter’s wide nose and face full of white whiskers.

A caribou walking along the edge of a nameless pond in Denali

Pika with grass in mouth at Rock Cut during late summer.

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their ears, which resemble those of a mule. Distinguish this deer from white-tailed deer most easily by the ears, color of the tail and configuration of antlers. Th More

A beaver in Horseshoe Lake can be tough to spot at times, swimming with their heads low to the water

Female mule deer will often have twin fawns after they've had their first fawn (which is usually a single). Fawns are born in the spring and will stay with their mother during the summer until they are weaned i More

Caribou browsing for food in the spring Public domain photograph of wildlife, animals, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A caribou silhouetted against the summer sky Public domain photograph of Alaska volcanic mountains, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Big hooves for paddles and hollow hair for bouyancy make caribou good swimmers. Caribou also have large, concave hooves that help support them in the deep snows of winter and on the soft surface of tundra. Inte More

Chipmunk, [Loose Prints, Animals], Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Sometimes confused for chipmunks because of similar coloration, golden-mantled ground squirrels do actually share a few similar habits with the chipmunk. Like chipmunks, they carry food in their cheek pouches a More

Dots on the tundra are actually...... CARIBOU on their southward migration. Hikers are sometimes lucky to see their antlers appear first on the horizon, followed slowly by the rest of the body. Distant caribou More

There are three main color morphs of the red fox, including red, silver/black and cross morphs; however, there are many atypical colorations that mostly occur in cold regions.

Bobcats are not commonly seen but are definitely in the area. Make sure to keep your pets on a leash.

A male caribou shedding its winter coat and sporting a large antler rack.

Aspens, willows and birch turn shades of gold, red and orange in the fall.

Caribou browsing in Denali Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A caribou high atop a ridge in Denali

Bear profile: #634 Popeye. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eu More

After you notice the large ears characteristic of mule deer, just look for the obviously-black tail.

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their ears, which resemble those of a mule. Distinguish this deer from white-tailed deer most easily by the ears, color of the tail and configuration of antlers. Th More

Bear profile: #89 Backpack. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern E More

A herd of bison crosses the Little Missouri river. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

This long, slender-bodied weasel can be called American marten or American pine marten or even simply, pine marten (Martes americana). This North American carnivorous mammal has large rounded ears, short limbs More

Flight has enabled bats to become one of the most widely-distributed group of mammals. Found in almost every type of habitat on Earth, you could find bats in any season, anywhere from seasides to mountains to d More

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have large, concave hooves that help support them in the deep snows of winter and on the soft surface of tundra. They are also the only member of the deer family in which both the ma More

The common California ground squirrel lives in the same areas of Yosemite as the western gray squirrel but eats mostly grass seeds. By eating different foods the two squirrels reduce competition between them an More

The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is usually conspicuous because of its lively habits and noisy chatter. Its distinct reddish color also differentiates this squirrel from other species.

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small, herbivorous relative of rabbits and hares. This little mammal is recognizable by its small, round, ovate body but also, and perhaps mostly, because of its moder More

Prairie dogs in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

North American beavers are true ecosystem engineers that can substantially alter their environs by creating dams and ponds. However, pictured is a bank lodge which was built into an existing shoreline in the Si More

These mule deer were spotted near Indian Well Cave. Indigenous to western North America, mule deer are easily recognized by their characteristically-large ears that similar in appearance to a mule. In areas whe More

Although generally silent, desert kit fox pups (Vulpes macrotis) make a few vocalizations. Vixens (mothers) will bark to recall errant pups. Foxes also bark at humans who approach a den too closely or at other More

Though cottontails are very sexually-active creatures and mated pairs have several offspring several times in nearly all seasons, it is more likely than not that none will survive to adulthood. Those that do ma More

This little rodent often builds its nests among prickly pear and cholla cactus for the protection and food/water it offers. These excellent climbers has many amazing abilities, including easily climbing up and More

The raccoon is a mammal native to North America and the largest of the procyonid family, which is the New World family of the order carnivora. Interestingly, the word chosen for this species in different langue More

Sea otter floats on it's back

A red fox in Denali Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) enjoying a bite. Winter is on its way, so golden-mantled ground squirrels are busy eating, eating, eating. This tactic of eating as much as possible More

A female white-tailed deer seen at the Salvo Day Use Area.

Little is known about this species, including mortality, longevity, breeding or even diet. We do know that females form small nursery colonies and young do not leave the nursery until almost full grown! Zion is More

This diurnal species of pika is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in a boulder field at or above the tree line.

Did you know thirteen-llined ground squirrels are rodents? These lively ground-dwellers differ from the Richardson's ground squirrel one sees at Fort Union in more than their distinctive fur pattern and colorin More

Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) preparing to hibernate. Winter is on its way, so golden-mantled ground squirrels are busy eating, eating, eating. This tactic of eating as much as po More