Jim McMahon/Mapman®
They’re hardworking, smart, and covered in fur. They’re puppies—and four of the nation’s newest park rangers! The dogs will work at Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska.
Born this past spring, the pups will eventually join Denali’s sled dog teams. They’ll carry human rangers and supplies across the park. Many areas of Denali are hard to travel through in the winter. While snowmobiles can break down in heavy, slushy snow, pups can run right through it.
“Dogsledding is the most efficient way to get around,” says David Tomeo. He’s one of the pups’ trainers.
What makes Denali’s dogs so perfect for sled teams? The canines are a breed called Alaskan husky. They have long legs that help them get through deep snow. Their compact paws prevent ice from building up between their toes, and their thick fur keeps them warm. Plus, Alaskan huskies are very energetic dogs.