Wildlife Etiquette in Alaska

Many make the trek to see the wide array of wildlife found in Alaska. The state is a biologist's heaven with hundreds of bizarre and rare species of creatures big and small. Many animals that are endangered in the rest of the world are quite populous in Alaska.

It is important to know how to handle yourself when you're around wildlife. If you are careful and respectful towards animals, you will have a safe and splendid viewing experience. However, if you aren't cautious, you could get seriously hurt, or hurt the environment around you. Here are a few tips for enjoying wildlife.

 

Visitors on a Denali NP bus watch caribou graze along a roadway from a safe distance.

NPS/Kent Miller

Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the presence of wildlife...

 

Never Feed or Approach Wildlife

Feeding or approaching wildlife can cause problems for both humans and the animals. Wild animals that learn to associate humans with food often become dependent. Their behavioral changes may lead to property damage and human injury. Also, for the animals, it may mean negative health effects, dependence on a seasonable unreliable food source, and greater susceptibility to predators and vehicle collisions.

Keep Your Distance

Generally, try to remain a safe and respectful distance of 25-100 yards from animals (300 yards from bears). Use binoculars or zoom lenses to get a closer look.
 

Limit the time spent observing animals

Encounters with people can be stressful to animals and can alter their normal behaviors.

Stay clear of mothers with young

Mother's with young are very protective and will react if felt threatened.

 

NPS Photo

A moose with her young at Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords NP

 

Resist the temptation to "save" animals, especially "orphans"

Young animals are rarely very far from their mothers. It's mother is usually watching from a safe distance. If an animal appears sick, or in need of help leave it alone and contact a Park Ranger or Fish and Game.

Do not surround, crowd, or follow an animal

It could result in injury to you or the animal. 

Keep pets on a leash or leave them at home

Even a well trained pet can be overcome by instincts when faced by wildlife. 

Properly store food and dispose of trash

Use a food locker or special container, store food in your locked vehicle. Put trash in a bear proof trash can or recycle container, and never over-fill garbage cans. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Learn to recognize signs of alarm

Sometimes these signs are not always obvious. Check out Alaska's Department of Fish and Game to learn more on these signs. 

If you see anything that suggest alarm, leave. Report wildlife problems to a Park Ranger or Fish and Game.