Here Are The 9 Biggest Risks Of Living In Alaska

Alaska presents various dangers including wildlife attacks, harsh weather, and poor cell service, but remains a unique and worthwhile place to live.

The Last Frontier may not have a high crime rate or very many natural disasters to speak of, but it does have killer mosquitos, slippery sidewalks, and wildlife that's not afraid to charge at you! Think you can survive living in Alaska? If you're thinking about moving to Alaska, you may want to check out this list of dangerous things in Alaska before you start packing.

1. Moose Attack

Moose attacks are a very real possibility when you are living in Alaska. Even the cop cars are armored with massive bumpers so as to fend off rude, unwelcome moose around public areas or highways. Moose wound anywhere from 5-10 Alaskans annually.

2. Bear Charge

Just like moose, bear are everywhere in Alaska and they are not afraid to attack you. If you're out hiking in Alaska you need to be aware of your surroundings or wildlife can easily bite you in the butt.

3. Bad Drivers

Snow happens a LOT in Alaska and consequentially so do bad drivers. If you're out on the roads after a decent snowfall be extra cautious, there is a reason every car in Alaska, new or old, has a dent in it!

4. Walking on Ice

With bad weather comes bad road and sidewalk conditions. It's all out to get you! Be careful in the morning when walking from your front door to the car with a cup of joe. Even a slight slip can send your hot beverage flying everywhere!

5. Freezing to Death

It's important to come in from the cold. In Alaska, an average of 140 people die from freezing to death outside each year! Don't get caught in bad weather without proper attire, and store a spare coat in your trunk in case your car breaks down!

6. Tsunami Zone

Alaska has 6,640 miles of coastline so a tsunami would not be unheard of. Alaska is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active area known for causing earthquakes and tsunamis. Alaska's 9.2-magnitude earthquake in 1964 was the strongest ever recorded in the United States.

7. Road Construction

Alaskans often say there are two seasons: winter and construction. Construction is a very obnoxious time suck in Alaska that we just have to deal with.

8. Bad Cell Service

Cell phone service is definitely lacking in Alaska. You may not even realize how much you rely on your phone till you get up here and realize that you're without communication or GPS. There's nothing that will make you want to throw your phone on the ground and stomp the screen than bad service. We won't blame you if your phone looks like this after just a week or two in Alaska.

9. Mosquitoes

Everyone who's ever thought about moving to Alaska has heard of the dreaded mosquitos. They are most definitely real, but they aren't "the size of a football." We've got 35 species of mosquitoes here, and many joke that they are our official state bird.

We know these things make living in Alaska somewhat difficult, but in our view, the Last Frontier is totally worth these inconveniences.

Can you think of any other risks of living in Alaska? Share your experiences in the comments!

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