Where the Wild Things Wander

Alaska’s wildlife is a stunning tapestry of unpredictability and allure, showcasing a multitude of species—from tenacious salmon navigating upstream to spawn, to majestic grizzlies traversing the wild landscape in pursuit of their next meal.

The allure of witnessing wildlife in its natural setting draws many adventurers to Alaska. Spanning a territory larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined, each moment presents a chance to encounter rare creatures in their habitat. To successfully spot wildlife, one must learn not only where to search but also how to differentiate between the untamed scenery and the animals themselves.

Gliding Through the Skies

Bald eagles, the emblematic bird of the United States, are found in greater numbers in Alaska than anywhere else in the nation. With an impressive wingspan reaching up to 7 feet and their striking white heads, it's nearly impossible to visit Alaska without spotting at least one. Look for the white “snowball” of the eagles’ heads peeking out from the treetops. Once you learn to identify them, these magnificent raptors become recognizable everywhere you go.

“At the height of salmon spawning season, bald eagles gather in groups of 50 or more, feeding over the inlets,” shares Michele Morris, one of Dinogo’s naturalists. Morris has been with Dinogo since their inaugural Alaskan cruise in 1996, and if she’s not on the ship, you can count on one of the other naturalists to assist with any wildlife inquiries you might have.

Spotting Bears

Bears, both grizzly and black, tend to be solitary creatures. Grizzly bears, the mainland variant of brown bears, are significantly larger than their black bear relatives, weighing between 500 and 900 pounds and featuring a more pronounced shoulder hump. Black bears, despite their name, can exhibit a color palette ranging from sandy blond to nearly bluish gray and typically weigh between 200 and 500 pounds.

Black bears prefer to inhabit dense forests, with an estimated population of 100,000 black bears across the state. In contrast, grizzly bears are usually found along Alaska’s southern coastline, where they mainly feast on salmon. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that some areas in southern Alaska can host up to one grizzly bear per square mile, especially where food is abundant.

Spotting bears is easier than you might think. While you’re out on the ocean, scan the shoreline for shiny black rocks that contrast with the usual dull black stones. Once you identify one, look for any signs of movement. Regular boulders will appear matte, but a bear’s fur has a distinctive oily sheen that makes it pop against the surroundings. As salmon begin to swarm the rivers from late July to early September, many bears migrate to the streams to feast.

Remember that bears are best admired from a safe distance. If you find yourself hiking in bear territory, especially along a salmon-rich river, make sure to announce your presence. “If you do encounter a bear, hold your ground, wave your arms, and speak loudly,” advises Dan Irelan, Park Ranger for Denali National Park & Preserve. “I once had a bear approach me while I was walking by a river. I stood firm, and eventually, the big mama bear and her inquisitive cubs turned back, leaving me with a racing heart and a memorable story.”

Moose

Is it a deer? A horse? No, it’s a colossal moose! Unlike many of Alaska’s wildlife, these iconic animals aren’t confined to the wild. Moose tend to show up when you least expect them, whether strutting through a parking lot as you board a tour bus or calmly standing in a roadside pond, enjoying a refreshing drink while cars pass by.

Alaska is home to approximately 175,000 to 200,000 of these long-legged giants. They are often spotted in areas recently impacted by wildfires and along the major rivers of Southcentral and Interior Alaska.

Their immense size is difficult to grasp from afar. A bull moose towers at about 7 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 1,600 pounds. As if that weren’t enough, these males can develop an antler rack weighing 80 pounds in just one summer—about a pound of bone growth each day. It’s truly remarkable to witness how gracefully they navigate the forest despite their bulk.

Caribou

Caribou are among the most iconic symbols of the vast northern wilderness. Smaller than moose, they typically weigh between 175 and 400 pounds. Uniquely, both male and female caribou grow antlers, setting them apart from other deer species. These resilient animals thrive in open landscapes, having adapted to endure the frigid winds and snow of even the harshest Alaskan winters.

Spotting caribou can be a challenge, even for experienced wildlife enthusiasts, but with sharp eyes and a bit of patience, it’s possible. In the summer months, caribou often linger on the last remaining snow patches at high altitudes. Keep your binoculars ready as you scan the mountain ridges. Allow your vision to adapt and watch for any unusual silhouettes. You might just catch a glimpse of the elusive caribou.

Mountain Goats and Dall Sheep

Agility and strength are essential for these all-white mountain-dwelling ungulates, as they navigate steep and rocky landscapes. Though Dall sheep and mountain goats may appear similar, their horns reveal their identities: Dall sheep boast curved, ram-shaped horns, while mountain goats have straight, pointed horns. While they share comparable body structures, Dall sheep can weigh up to 300 pounds, and mountain goats can reach up to 380 pounds, often appearing larger due to their long fur and bushy beards.

Spotting either of these two hardy animals requires a bit of neck craning since they inhabit high-altitude areas. Dall sheep are found throughout all the mountain ranges in Alaska, often gathering in dry habitats on open alpine ridges, meadows, and steep slopes. In contrast, mountain goats are primarily located in the southeastern regions, where they graze at lower elevations during early summer and move higher as the snow melts. If Juneau is on your itinerary, you’re in luck—mountain goats were reintroduced to Mount Juneau in 1989 and have become a common sight since the early 2000s.

From a distance, both mountain goats and Dall sheep can easily be mistaken for small snowdrifts on the mountainside, making them easy to overlook with the naked eye. Use binoculars to scan the cliffs, and you might discover that what looks like a snow pile is actually three resting Dall sheep or a scruffy mountain goat foraging for food. If they appear to be darting up the mountain quickly, pay close attention, as it could indicate that a predator, like a wolf or coyote, is nearby.

Uniquely Extraordinary

The rugged wilderness may appear intimidating, yet the creatures that have evolved to flourish in its harsh conditions are just one of the many reasons Alaska has captivated visitors for generations. Longtime ranger Irelan sums it up well: “The remarkable and unique features of the far north—the midnight sun, expansive landscapes, stunning mountain vistas, winters of darkness and solitude, and the northern lights—never cease to inspire me. Even the essence of the forest and the air itself is nearly indescribable.”

Fun Fact!

Did you know? Bald eagles in Alaska have been observed living up to 32 years.

Fun Fact! Grizzly bears possess a sense of smell that surpasses that of hound dogs, enabling them to detect food from miles away.

Fun Fact! Caribou and reindeer belong to the same species, but reindeer are typically domesticated and exhibit some genetic variations.