Wildlife can be found everywhere in Alaska, from the ethereal jellyfish that populate the waters under the Ketchikan boardwalks to the majestic bald eagles that make their homes in the trees above Juneau. As you prepare to cast off and head north for adventure, here are some of the Alaska animals you should be ready to encounter.

Megafauna dominate the Alaska rainforests. These large mammals — such as bears, moose, caribou and muskoxen — need much space to thrive. Even so, they are numerous enough that you can almost guarantee at least some sightings, provided you take advantage of excursions that go beyond the various Alaska ports of call. If you do, here are some animals you can expect to see.

What do you picture when you think of bears? For many of us, it's the massive bulk and near-unstoppable power of the brown bear — even its scientific name acknowledges this fact: Ursus arctos, which translates to 'bear bear' (the most quintessentially bearlike of the bears). Alaska certainly has its share of brown bears, including the iconic grizzly bear, but it also supports many black bears. Polar bears can also be found in some of the more northern regions of Alaska, though they typically do not range far enough south to encounter most Alaska cruises. Some cruise ports, such as Nanortalik and Greenland, offer excellent opportunities to see these breathtakingly beautiful animals.  

Distinguishing between brown and black bears means more than just noting their color; these animals aren't always the shade or hue you might expect. Instead, look for the defining features of each:

Brown bear

• Typically larger with a more stout build and a prominent shoulder hump, which is a mass of muscle used for digging
• Concave or dish-shaped facial profile with a prominent brow ridge, broader snout, and short rounded ears
• Long, straight claws (about 2–4 inches), suitable for digging.

Black bear

• Smaller, more streamlined appearance without a shoulder hump
• Straighter profile with a less pronounced brow ridge, a tempered snout, and taller, more pointed ears
• Short, curved claws (about 1–2 inches), ideal for climbing trees

Although it is possible to spot bears along Alaska shores, the best opportunities to see bears in Alaska are to take cruise tours, such as those that take you through Katmai National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, or the Tongass Rainforest.

Few animals exemplify the northern wilderness better than wolves. Intelligent pack hunters ranging from Alaska's great interiors to its coasts, wolves remain active year-round, and their sad howls can often be heard echoing through the mountains. Gray wolves are the most common, with Alaska featuring the largest remaining population of gray wolves in the United States. These animals are so crowded that they are some of the only American wolves to have never been added to the endangered species list. 

Wolves tend to avoid humans, so your best bet for seeing them is to book a tour to Denali National Park, where you can find them in their remote natural habitat.

The largest member of the deer family, moose are an impressive sight to behold. Characterized by their long legs, large bodies and distinctive, palmate antlers (in males), these imposing animals are as comfortable swimming as they are grazing in forests, sometimes diving as much as 18 feet down to feed on submerged vegetation. Contrary to popular belief, moose are not typically aggressive. Still, they can be dangerous to humans during mating season or if they feel threatened, so always observe them from a safe distance and do not provoke them.

As many Alaskans will tell you, it's not rare to encounter a moose — sometimes, they come right into town. To see them out in their native environment, however, consider visiting Kenai Peninsula or Denali National Park.

Alaska is teeming with diverse wildlife. As you take your journeys through the various ports and tour destinations, also keep an eye out for:

• Caribou
• Dall sheep
• Mountain goats
• Muskoxen
• Porcupines
• Lynx
• Wolverines
• Beavers

To spot even more animals in Alaska, just look up. Alaska's avian residents are as varied as they are captivating. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just a casual sightseer, the region offers unique opportunities to witness birds large and small in their native environment.

A national symbol of freedom in the U.S., the bald eagle is one of the most visually striking birds of prey. Adult bald eagles have distinctive white, feather-covered heads and white tail feathers, contrasting with the darker plumage of their wings and bodies. Their unique coloring gives them their name: "Bald" comes from "piebald," an old English term that means "black-and-white." Younger bald eagles can be identified by their sharply curving beaks and long, finger-like primary flight feathers extending from the tips of their wings.

Bald eagles can be found all over Alaska, and they are so numerous that some locals have jokingly called them "bald seagulls." But despite their pervasiveness, these animals are still held in high regard and are a federally protected species. Often, catching a glimpse of a bald eagle in Alaska is as easy as looking at the trees — eagles enjoy perching high up in the boughs, and their white heads tend to stand out clearly from the green and brown background. For a more proactive search, visit the Kenai Peninsula or the areas around Haines and the Chilkat Valley.

Puffins are among Alaska's most beloved seabirds with their colorful beaks and charming expressions. These charismatic avians can nest on rocky cliffs and islands along the state's rugged coastlines. Puffins are easily recognized by their bright-orange beaks and feet, black-and-white plumage and distinctive "clown-like" faces. And while they are fantastic swimmers and prefer to hunt small fish by diving up to 200 feet underwater, puffins are by no means flightless — they can reach speeds of up to 55 mph while in the air, beating their wings 300-400 times a minute to stay aloft.

Two distinct variations of puffins can be found along Alaska's coasts. The tufted puffin has a mostly black body and a white face during its breeding season. Long yellow feathers curve back from its brows and along the sides of its head, and it has a bright-orange beak with a distinctive hump at the base.  Horned puffins, meanwhile, have black-and-white bodies and white faces and bellies. With small, dark, fleshy "horns" that jut up above their eyes, these puffins sport beaks that are orange at the base and yellow at the tip — a smaller and more triangular shape than the tufted puffin.

Southeast Alaska is the best place to see these adorable creatures, perfect for cruisegoers visiting the Inside Passage or going up through Skagway and other southeastern coastal ports. Book an excursion to Kenai Fjords National Park for an even better chance of encountering puffins.

The willow ptarmigan, Alaska's state bird, exemplifies nature's adaptability. These hardy birds are well-suited to the frigid environments of the far north, digging burrows in the snow to get out of the cold winds and crossing the frozen ground of the Alaska tundra on thickly feathered feet. One of the most striking things about the willow ptarmigan is its coloring; its plumage changes from season to season. In winter, both males and females are white with black tail feathers, while in summer, males develop a striking chestnut-red plumage on their necks and breasts.

The willow ptarmigan is a member of the grouse family, but unlike other grouse species, the males help care for the chicks. If you're lucky, you might just see entire families of these remarkable birds as they forage for seeds, grasses, and berries. Willow ptarmigans are widespread in Alaska, inhabiting tundra and shrubby areas. They are commonly found in the Brooks Mountain Range, Denali National Park, and along the Haines Scenic Byway through Chilkat Pass.

Eagles, puffins, and willow ptarmigans may be the superstars of Alaska's bird populations, but they're not the only feathered wonders to experience. Other birds that can be found in Alaska include:

• Owls
• Ravens
• Falcons
• Sandpipers
• Hawks
• Geese
• Ducks 

One of the biggest perks of an Alaska cruise with Princess? It puts you right on the water with the fantastic marine life. In many cases, simply gazing out from your stateroom is all it takes to catch the spout of a humpback whale or see a family of playful sea lions frolicking in the waves. For a truly immersive experience, book an excursion to see these amazing animals up close.

We know this is why you booked an Alaska cruise. Every adventurer to Alaska hopes to encounter these amazing giants, and Alaska's waters are home to several species of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, belugas and even blue whales. The great news? Finding these mammoth creatures is easy; there are many spots along the coast and near the ports where whales love congregating.

The best time to see whales in Alaska is in the summer. Your first glimpse of the animal will often be the burst of water vapor from its blowhole as it surfaces. And if you're lucky, you'll see it dive, roll and breach.

Here are some common whales you'll spot on your Alaska sailing, and how to identify them.

Humpback whales

• Some of the most often encountered whales off the coast of Alaska
• 40–50 feet long
• Knobbly heads and long pectoral fins
• Very active, particularly when feeding; often breach the surface by leaping entirely out of the water and then crashing back down into it

Orca whales

• Also commonly seen in Alaska waters
• 23–32 feet long
• Distinctive black and white markings
• Triangular dorsal fin
• Often, they cruise the surface rather than diving deep for prolonged periods

Beluga Whales

• Found in coastal and estuarine waters
• 13–20 feet long
• All-white coloration with a bulbous forehead (like a melon)
• Highly social and vocal, often seen in pods

Gray Whales

• Known for their long migrations along the coast
• 40–50 feet long
• Mottled gray skin typically covered in barnacles
• Often seen feeding in shallow waters

Sperm Whales

• Known for their deep diving abilities
• 49–59 feet long
• Large, block-shaped head with a narrow lower jaw
• Tend to hunt squid and other deep-sea creatures rather than stray near shore

Blue Whales

• The largest animals on the planet
• Up to 100 feet long
• Blue-gray coloring with a broad, flat head
• Solitary creatures; spouts can reach up to 30 feet high

The best places to see whales are near Glacier Bay, off the coast of Juneau and around the Inside Passage. Book an excursion and don't forget to bring your camera.

Ready to have the socks charmed off you? These playful inhabitants of Alaska's coastal waters are known for their dense fur, buoyant bodies and habit of using tools to open shellfish. Sea otters have favorite rocks and other keepsakes they prefer to keep with them as they move from spot to spot, stashing their most cherished items in the loose folds of their heavily insulated skin.

Highly social, sea otters often join together by grasping each other's hands so they don't drift apart while sleeping (could they be any cuter?). Because otters are typically only about 4 feet long, they can be harder to spot than some gigantic marine life around Alaska. To improve your chances of encountering these animals, visit the bays and coves of Prince William Sound.

The waters of Alaska provide everything that marine life could want, making it a haven for animals of all kinds. Watch the waters, and you might also see:

• Elephant seals
• Walruses
• Salmon
• Jellyfish
• Trout
• Rockfish
• Dolphins

Experiencing Alaska's abundant wildlife is a thrilling adventure, but it's essential to always keep safety in mind — not only your own but also the animals' safety. Whether you're at port, hiking in the wilderness, or enjoying any of the dozens of excursion opportunities designed to put you where the action is, following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and respectful encounter with Alaska's majestic animals:

• Maintain a safe distance
  Always keep a respectful distance from any wildlife you see. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer view without disturbing the animals.
• Do not feed wildlife
  Feeding animals can alter their natural behaviors, making them dependent on human food and unable to survive independently. It can also encourage them to approach people looking for handouts, potentially leading to dangerous situations
• Stay calm and quiet when near animals
  Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, which can startle animals and provoke aggressive responses.
• Travel in groups
  Animals are less likely to approach larger groups. Stay together and make noise when hiking to warn animals that you are in the area.
• Secure food and trash
  Use bear-proof containers and dispose of trash in designated areas to prevent attracting animals to campsites or picnic spots.
• Stay on designated trails
  Stick to marked trails to minimize your impact on wildlife habitats and reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.
• Respect nesting sites
  Avoid approaching or disturbing nests, especially those of eagles and other birds. Disturbance can lead to birds abandoning their nests before their chicks are mature enough.
• Report aggressive wildlife
  If you encounter an aggressive animal, report it to park rangers or local authorities to ensure public safety and appropriate wildlife management.
• Check for wildlife advisories
  Before heading out, check for any wildlife advisories or warnings in the area you plan to visit. Park websites and visitor centers provide up-to-date information and will tell you what you can do to help ensure your safety.
• Be aware of the danger you pose to them
  It's been said that when humans encounter wild animals, the animals always lose. This is because human interference negatively impacts wildlife, either by encouraging harmful behavior or altering the animal's habitat. Be mindful of this fact, and limit your danger by following all available safety guidelines.
• Educate yourself
  While planning your cruise and choosing which excursions you will be taking, do some extra research to learn about the specific wildlife in the area you're visiting. Read up on their behaviors and habitats to better understand how to safely coexist with Alaska's magnificent native animals.

There's no better way to explore Alaska's stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes than with Princess Cruises. Book your Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises today, and see the animals that have come to define the untamed wilderness of the great state of Alaska.