Alaska: A Wildlife Destination Like No Other

Few places on Earth can match Alaska when it comes to wildlife. The state's vast, largely undisturbed ecosystems support enormous populations of mammals, birds, and marine life — many of which are rarely seen elsewhere in North America. For wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to Alaska offers the genuine possibility of seeing animals in their natural habitat, behaving naturally, without fences or feeding programs.

Here's your guide to the animals you might encounter and where to find them.

Land Mammals

Brown (Grizzly) Bears

Alaska is home to a significant portion of the world's brown bear population. The best places to observe them include:

  • Katmai National Park: Famous for Brooks Falls, where bears congregate in July and September to catch sockeye salmon. This is considered one of the world's great wildlife spectacles.
  • Denali National Park: Bears roam the open tundra here, visible from the park's bus system.
  • Pack Creek (Admiralty Island): A bear-viewing sanctuary accessible by floatplane from Juneau.

Moose

Alaska's moose are the largest subspecies in the world. They're commonly spotted near lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Anchorage itself has a resident moose population — sightings in neighborhoods and parks are common, especially in winter.

Caribou

Alaska hosts several large caribou herds. The annual migration of the Western Arctic Herd — one of the largest land mammal migrations on Earth — passes through the Brooks Range and Arctic tundra. Denali National Park is also an excellent place to see caribou.

Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats

These sure-footed climbers inhabit Alaska's steep mountain ranges. Dall sheep are often visible on rocky slopes along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage. Mountain goats favor the coastal ranges of Southeast Alaska.

Marine Mammals

Humpback Whales

Southeast Alaska — particularly Glacier Bay National Park, Frederick Sound, and Icy Strait — is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales feeding. They arrive in summer and can be seen breaching, bubble-net feeding, and traveling in groups.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

Both resident fish-eating orcas and transient mammal-eating orcas are found in Alaskan waters. Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords are reliable locations for orca sightings on boat tours.

Sea Otters and Steller Sea Lions

Sea otters — wrapped in kelp and floating on their backs — are a charming sight throughout Southeast Alaska and Kachemak Bay. Steller sea lions haul out on rocks and buoys throughout the Gulf of Alaska coast.

Birds

Alaska hosts around 500 recorded bird species, including:

  • Bald Eagles: Common throughout Southeast Alaska; the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of bald eagles in late fall.
  • Puffins: Both horned and tufted puffins nest on rocky sea cliffs. Kenai Fjords boat tours regularly pass nesting colonies.
  • Sandhill Cranes: Thousands migrate through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley each spring and fall.

Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching

  1. Keep your distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens. If an animal changes its behavior because of you, you're too close.
  2. Never feed wildlife: It's harmful to animals and illegal in most areas.
  3. Stay on designated viewing areas: This protects both you and the animals.
  4. Be patient and quiet: The best wildlife encounters come to those who wait calmly.
  5. Hire a guide: Local guides know where animals are likely to be and help you observe ethically.

Alaska's wildlife is its crown jewel. With the right approach, you can witness scenes that feel prehistoric in their scale and wildness — and leave knowing you didn't disturb a thing.