Bought from the Russian empire for $7.2 million in 1867, Alaska is the largest state in the United States regarding the total area.
As a matter of fact, it is more than two times the size of Texas which is the second largest state. Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Alaska describe it as a “spontaneous” “raw” and “wild” place that arouses and ignites the spirit.
It is popularly known as the last frontier of the United States and has earned a reputation for its extensive parks and wild lands.
As a matter of fact, it is more than two times the size of Texas which is the second largest state. Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Alaska describe it as a “spontaneous” “raw” and “wild” place that arouses and ignites the spirit.
It is popularly known as the last frontier of the United States and has earned a reputation for its extensive parks and wild lands.
Alaska is home to a wild range of wildlife, both in the water and on land. Alaska is rich in wildlife such as wolves, bears, birds, musk oxen, wild goats, sea lions and walrus among other animals.
Tips On Wildlife Viewing In Alaska
Despite the abundance of wildlife in Alaska, successfully, frequently and safely viewing them requires certain measures and precautions.
1. Research more about the animals of interest. This includes learning about where they live, their patterns of activities, what they eat and specific safety precautions to take when viewing them.
2. Wildlife viewing in Alaska is best at dawn and dusk; this is when most animals are active.
3. Cameras and a good pair of binoculars are essential. A camera with at least 200mm lens is preferred.
4. It’s better to move slowly while taking regular stops and listening keenly. However, it is not a good idea to creep up slowly to a bear.
5. It is essential to observe wildlife viewing etiquette and ethics. This includes respecting the environment and respecting the wildlife.
It is important to:
1. Research more about the animals of interest. This includes learning about where they live, their patterns of activities, what they eat and specific safety precautions to take when viewing them.
2. Wildlife viewing in Alaska is best at dawn and dusk; this is when most animals are active.
3. Cameras and a good pair of binoculars are essential. A camera with at least 200mm lens is preferred.
4. It’s better to move slowly while taking regular stops and listening keenly. However, it is not a good idea to creep up slowly to a bear.
5. It is essential to observe wildlife viewing etiquette and ethics. This includes respecting the environment and respecting the wildlife.
It is important to:
- Keep a respectable distance
- Not chase animals
- Move in small groups
- Not feed wild animals
- Not interfere with natural behavior
- Not litter
Best Wildlife Viewing Spots
While one is never guaranteed to see wild animals in Alaska, there are specific spots that increase the likelihood of spotting certain animals.
1. Bears
It is estimated that there are over 50,000 black bears and 35,000 brown bears living in the Alaskan wilderness. However, those wishing to see bears often have to do a lot of searching before they see one.
This could explain why bear-viewing tours in Alaska are relatively more expensive than other tours. According to experts, the following are the best bear viewing spots in Alaska.
This could explain why bear-viewing tours in Alaska are relatively more expensive than other tours. According to experts, the following are the best bear viewing spots in Alaska.
- Denali National Park is one of the best places to see the big 5 of Alaska which includes bears. It is also renowned for its relative affordability. It is important to note that only park buses are allowed on the 95-mile Denali Park Road.
- Alaska Zoo caters to orphaned, injured and captive born animals. Visitors can get close up views of black bears, brown bears and even black bears in the zoo.
- Fish Creek is a popular location for both black and brown bears looking for salmon along the water. Mother bears with their cubs are also known to visit the creek frequently. The best time to see bears here is between July 15th and September 9th.
- Margaret Creek is a good place to view black bears feeding on salmon from the streams. It is possible to see up to 10 bears here. August 1st to September 15th is the best time to see bears here.
2. Moose
Moose are also one of the big 5 of the Alaskan wilderness. They are also an attractive sight in Alaskan urban areas including the city of Anchorage.
Often, they are seen wandering across roads, neighbourhoods and even sports fields. They are particularly plentiful in the winter as more of them seek lower ground in search of food. Professionals recommend the following spots for moose viewing;
Often, they are seen wandering across roads, neighbourhoods and even sports fields. They are particularly plentiful in the winter as more of them seek lower ground in search of food. Professionals recommend the following spots for moose viewing;
- Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge – Potter Marsh
- Moose Lake is perfect for those hoping to catch a view of knock-kneed moose
- Kincaid Park is home to Anchorage’s largest population of moose
- Alaska Zoo
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Earthquake Park
3. Eagle Viewing
According to an estimate, more than half of the bald eagles in North America live in Alaska. Eagles tend to return to the same spots and same nests every year, and this makes it relatively easy to spot them particularly in the summer when they are seen feeding chicks or sitting on their eggs. Ideal places for eagle spotting include;
- Homer Spit Trail
- Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge –Potter Mash.
- Alaska Zoo
- Kenai River viewing platform
- Eagle Beach
- Williwaw fish viewing platform
4. Dall Sheep
Also, another member of the Alaskan big 5, a trip to Alaska is not complete without spotting one of these majestic white sheep.
However, spotting them is quite tricky given that they stay high in the mountains and even along the sides of cliffs to avoid predators. Most times, they may appear as white dots.
However, spotting them is quite tricky given that they stay high in the mountains and even along the sides of cliffs to avoid predators. Most times, they may appear as white dots.
- Windy point offers one of the best views of Dall sheep. In springtime, it is even possible to see young Dall sheep learning how to walk along the rocky cliffs.
- Alaska Zoo
- Mile 34.05 of Igloo Creek Campground.
- Mile 15 of the Savage River Loop Trail.
5. Caribou
Another member of the big 5 in Alaska, caribous are quite populous in Alaska. They move around, grazing in thousands out in the open tundra. Their migratory nature also makes it quite hard to keep track of their locations. Nonetheless, these locations present a good chance of seeing caribous;
- Mile 15 of Savage River Loop Trail
- The east side of Bridge Access Road is a good place to see newborn caribou calves in the spring. Sometimes they also come here to feed in the summer.
- Chapman Lake and the Lost Patrol
6. Marine Life
Alaska also has a rich population of sea life; including marine mammals such as the whale, walrus and the seal among others.
Salmon are best seen in places such as Margaret Creek, Steep Creek fish viewing, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and most notably, Ketchikan creek and falls.
When it comes to whale-viewing, experts suggest locations such as the Kenai River viewing platform, off Barwell Island, Akutan and Lowell Point Road among others. Alaska is the only place in North America where the Pacific walrus is found.
They are best seen in the summer when the male walruses gather on the beaches and islands in Western Alaska. While walrus-viewing is expensive, it is a thrilling experience for many. Good locations for walrus viewing include Cape Seniavin, Round Island and Cape Pierce.
Salmon are best seen in places such as Margaret Creek, Steep Creek fish viewing, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and most notably, Ketchikan creek and falls.
When it comes to whale-viewing, experts suggest locations such as the Kenai River viewing platform, off Barwell Island, Akutan and Lowell Point Road among others. Alaska is the only place in North America where the Pacific walrus is found.
They are best seen in the summer when the male walruses gather on the beaches and islands in Western Alaska. While walrus-viewing is expensive, it is a thrilling experience for many. Good locations for walrus viewing include Cape Seniavin, Round Island and Cape Pierce.
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