Denali National Park II

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Day 3

Thanks to my sister who asked about Dog Sleds and mushers at Denali, we were forced to investigate and get more information.  We were not aware that Dog Sleds were in use at Denali National Park.


Well, it turns out that out of 411 National Parks, Denali is the only one that has an active working group of Dogsleds and kennel.  They have 32 dogs, Alaskan Huskies, trained and in use year round at the park.  Currently during the summer, they are used for demonstrations like the one we attended today.  






 





















"Two-Wheel Drive"



Holding the dogs by the collar when travelling to and from sled is the proper way to hold the dogs to prevent injury to front paws as well as prevention of handler being dragged by excited animal.








During the winter, their busy season, they are used to patrol the 4 million acres of the Park.  Most of the teams are out there for patrols and freight hauling.   Several patrols leave for a 2 – 6 week patrol out on the wilderness and stay overnight at small cabins that contain a cache of supplies for both Ranger and Ranger Dogs.  It was explained to us that these sled dogs are not built for racing, as in the Iditarod.  They are known as the “mack-trucks” of huskies.   They are chosen because of their long legs and long fur, crucial for being and working in this environment in winter.  We watched and listened, as the dogs demonstrated their excitement of being chosen to be on the demonstration team.  The ranger explained that the dogs love to pull.  They enjoy their jobs and have excellent stamina.  When the dogs get older, they eventually stop showing the excitement of pulling.  They are then sent to an adoptive family that is on their long adoption list.  These huskies will only be given to families that live in Alaska, or another far northern state, since they cannot tolerate warm climates.


For interested parties looking for a summer job:




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