As you start planning your winter hikes, you probably aren't expecting to see a lot of critters. Maybe you'll see some squirrels, magpies, ravens, grey jays, and, if you're lucky, small rodents. Insects probably aren't on your mind, as the temperatures are below freezing all day. But, if you look closely, you may be surprised. Some species of spiders are active in the winters here in Denali, surviving on springtails and the few straggling insects. Spiders are poikilothermic, meaning their body t

Spring is here and the bears have come out of hibernation! This video clip from a few days ago shows a grizzly bear digging for roots alongside the Denali Park Road. Roots are a major source of food for grizzlies when they first leave their dens in the spring. In fact, the grizzly bear’s distinctive shoulder hump is formed by powerful shoulder muscles that are used for digging up food. Have you ever watched a bear foraging for food? NPS Video | Denali National Park and Preserve