Alaska Brown Bear
The Alaska brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a coastal form of the brown/grizzly bear that grows exceptionally large thanks to a rich diet of salmon and other coastal resources. Mature males in Katmai and Kodiak can weigh 900 pounds or more. Brown bears are distinguished fro
Polar Bear
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest land carnivore on Earth and a symbol of the Arctic. Adult males typically weigh 350–650 kg and measure 2–3 m in length, while females weigh 150–350 kg. Polar bears are superbly adapted to life on sea ice with dense w
Black Bear
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the most widespread bear in North America. Its coat ranges from black to brown, cinnamon or even blond, and adults weigh between 125 and 450 pounds. Standing about three feet at the shoulder and five to six feet when on thei
Pronghorn
The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is North America’s fastest land mammal and the sole surviving member of an ancient family. Pronghorns can run nearly 60 mph and sustain half that speed for miles thanks to elongated limbs, lightweight bones and oversized lungs and
Mountain Goat
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus)—more accurately a goat‑antelope—is the only species in its genus and a true denizen of the cliffs of northwestern North America. Easily distinguished by its thick white coat, black horns and shaggy beard, the mountain goat i
Mountain Lion
The mountain lion (also known as cougar or puma) is North America’s largest cat. Adult males weigh around 140 lb and rarely exceed 180 lb, measuring 7–8 ft from nose to tail and standing about 30 inches high; females are smaller, seldom more than 110 lb. Their coats
Tule Elk
The tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) is the smallest of North America’s elk subspecies and is endemic to California’s Central Valley and coastal ranges. Biologists recognise six elk subspecies and note that the tule elk has the smallest body size. Mature bulls
Bison
North America’s bison, commonly called buffalo, are the continent’s largest land mammals. Wood bison are easily recognised by their massive head, shoulder hump and shaggy brown coat that turns almost black on the head. Both sexes sport short black horns; female horn
Muskox
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a stocky, long‑haired Arctic bovid known for its beard‑like guard hair and formidable horns. Inupiaq people call it “the animal with skin like a beard” because its coarse outer hair (qiviut) hangs almost to the ground. Mature bul
