The stunning natural beauty of Alaska attracts so many who never leave the comfort of their tour groups, and for good reason. The Last Frontier can be a dangerous place if you don’t know what to look out for or how to survive. Here are just a few things that could possibly kill you (some more likely than others) if you choose to explore our great state:
1. Breaking the ice.
Don't worry, this photo is deceiving. The water under her is actually frozen solid. Still, freezing water is very hard to swim in, and it has claimed many lives in Alaska.
2. They may be cute and cuddly, but these bears do not want to play.
Being eaten by this guy would be a very grisly end indeed (see what we did there?).
3. How about Bullwinkle over here? He looks harmless, right?
Wrong. September and October (mating season) and early spring (when they're protecting their young) are when most attacks occur. Don't ever feed a moose, and keep your dogs at a safe distance.
4. One of the most deadly highways in the world is right here in Alaska.
And this guy is about to drive it on a dinky little scooter (cue the dramatic music).
5. Rough seas are trouble indeed.
They may be beautiful, but stormy seas can spell the end of even a seasoned sailor. Weather in some parts of Alaska is notorious for turning on a dime.
6. The landslide will bring you down.
Fleetwood Mac spoke the truth about a lot of things, but especially this.
7. Or you could get caught in a wildfire.
If you're in the central Alaska region, especially in the summer months, keep an eye on the sky for signs of smoke.
8. Glaciers may be slow moving giants, but let's not forget what took down the Titanic.
These bad boys tend to sweat a little in the summer months, and their crumbling facades can be very dangerous for anyone directly above or below them.
9. Alaska can get some pretty intense earthquakes, too.
Most people in the rest of the country don't even realize that this is a problem in Alaska, but the 1964 Alaska earthquake was one of the worst in recorded history.
10. Avalanches are another terrifyingly real possibility in our great state.
Try to be especially cautious after a big snowfall or during high winds.
11. It's unlikely, but you could be stalked by some very hungry wolves.
A woman was killed by wolves in Alaska six years ago in the small village of Chignik Lake, which was only the second fatal attack by wolves in North America at the time.
12. But it's much more likely you'll be killed by a bad driver.
Sure, this isn't exclusive to Alaska, but ice and snow significantly increase the risk of frightening traffic accidents, especially around visitors who aren't used to snowy conditions.
13. You could be eaten alive by mosquitoes.
A lot of people come to Alaska prepared for the freezing temperatures and forget about these adorable little bloodsuckers.
14. Another unlikely but technically possible fatality: You could be caught in a huge volcanic eruption.
A single state with earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, and freezing temperatures? You've got to be pretty tough to live here.
What do you think is the most dangerous thing about living in Alaska? Please let us know in the comments!
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