Wildlife Safety

On This Page

• Moose Safety
• Bear Safety

Keep Wildlife Wild

Please keep Denali’s animals wild by following these rules when encountering wildlife:

• Never feed wildlife
  Do not feed or allow wildlife to obtain human foods. This includes small animals, like birds and squirrels! Human food is unhealthy for wildlife and animals can become aggressive if they grow accustomed to being fed by people.

• Keep your distance
  Do not approach or follow wildlife. Stay at least 300 yards (275 meters) away from bears and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, dens, and nests.

• Don't harass wildlife
  If your presence alters an animal’s behavior in any way, you are too close. Attempting to call wildlife closer is also prohibited.

• Wildlife viewing from the road
  If you are driving on the park road and wish to stop to view wildlife, pull over as far out of the roadway as you safely can and use pullouts when possible. Do not abandon your vehicle on the shoulder of the road. Always leave room for at least one lane of traffic to pass through.

  If you are on Highway 3, do not pull over unless you find a parking lot or pull-out area. Stopping on the side of the road on Highway 3 is extremely dangerous, as most other travelers are not expecting cars to suddenly stop in the roadway. If you cannot safely exit the roadway, drive past the wildlife and look for a safe spot to park or turn around. Do not stop in the middle of the road!

 

Cow moose are particularly defensive of their young calves in spring and early summer. Bull moose are more aggressive in the fall during the mating season.

NPS Photo / Popovic

Moose Safety

Herbivores can be just as dangerous as carnivores. Moose weigh up to 1,600 lbs—three or four times the weight of a grizzly bear in Denali—and will charge anything they think is threatening.

Stay Away

Moose look docile but may charge unexpectedly and try to kick or trample a perceived threat. Stay at least two bus-lengths (25 yards, 23 m) away from moose.

Run Away

If a moose charges you, it is because you are in its space. Get away as fast as you can, zigzagging and putting obstacles between you and the moose.

Walking dogs near moose is especially dangerous as moose may react dramatically. Use extra caution and keep your pets away.

 

Bear Safety

You should be prepared to encounter a bear anywhere in Denali, but you can reduce your chances of encountering a bear by taking the following precautions:

• Hike with a group.
• Stay at least 300 yards (275 m) away from bears and never move closer to a bear.
• Avoid surprising bears. Frequently make loud “people sounds,” such as talking loudly, singing, or yelling.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bear spray should be easily accessible when hiking. While on a bus, bear spray should be in a plastic bag and stowed inside your backpack or another bag. Rentals are available at the Backcountry Information Center.

If you encounter a bear:

• Gather your hiking group close together.
• Never run from a bear.
• Never drop your pack.
• Remove your bear spray from the holster. If a bear gets within range (20 feet, 6 m), spray the bear. Aim low—the cloud of bear spray should hit the bear’s head.
• If a bear approaches you and acts “sneaky,” it is likely displaying curious behavior. When encountering a curious bear, you should stand your ground (don’t back away), yell at the bear, and try to look large and intimidating. Be aggressive with your voice and movements. If a curious bear attacks, fight back.
• If a bear moves toward you quickly and looks aggressive it is likely displaying defensive behavior. When encountering a defensive bear, identify yourself as human by speaking calmly and remain non-threatening. Your movements and voice should be slow and soft. If the bear is not advancing, take the opportunity to slowly back away. If a defensive bear attacks, you should play dead. Do not move until you’re sure that the bear has left the area.
• Report any bear encounter to a ranger.

Learn more about bear behavior, how to prevent negative encounters with bears, and how to respond if you encounter a bear.