Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Did you know that elk scratch their backs with their long antlers?  I didn't until today when I saw one do it.

Did you know elk calves get down on their knees to suckle?  I didn't until today when I saw one do it.

We went to the Wildlife Conservation Center after we found our RV Park near Portage Glacier. It was just down the road.  It can be viewed either by walking or from the vehicle, and since it was raining, we chose to stay in the RV.  All of the animals have been somehow injured and are being rehabilitated, or they have been born at the center.

The herd of Wood Bison numbers 100 now, and in 2015 they are expected to be released into the wild.   Three grizzlies are there because they were rescued as babies.  Because they did not have training on how to survive in the wild, they will live in a beautiful enclosed area at the center.  

A musk ox grazing near the fence

The elk, caribou, sitka deer, and musk oxen have similar stories, as do the two lynx sisters, the owls, and the bald eagle.

Even though they are enclosed in their areas, however, the center has done its best to keep them somewhat wild.  They certainly are not dismayed by the people around them, but I suspect they would hurt someone if they felt threatened.  And those cute, cuddly bears?  I am not going near them.

This was an impressive place and well worth the visit!