Detached state of the caribou (6)

I believe the answer is:

alaska

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'detached state' is the definition.
'alaska' can be an answer for 'state' (I know this). I'm not sure about the 'detached' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alaska that I've seen before include "Anchorage is the largest city" , "Northmost US state" , "Food item baked" , "Detached US state" , "that may be baked? Not by the sun" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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