Alaskan
Wildlife

Alaskan Wildlife

Wildlife Awareness

Alaska in general, and Alyeska Resort in particular, are blessed with abundant wildlife. While it is certainly a thrill to witness wild animals in their natural habitat, we strongly urge caution.

Below are tips on how to stay safe in the presence of the most common animals in the area which can be harmful to humans– bears and moose– who get too close.

Wildlife Awareness

Alaska in general, and Alyeska Resort in particular, are blessed with abundant wildlife. While it is certainly a thrill to witness wild animals in their natural habitat, we strongly urge caution.

Below are tips on how to stay safe in the presence of the most common animals in the area which can be harmful to humans– bears and moose– who get too close.

Be Bear Aware!

Respect Bears

  • Give bears plenty of space
  • Do not approach or provoke bears
  • Do not feed bears or leave food out
  • Be aware and respectful of bear dens
  • Leave “orphaned” or sick bears alone
alyeska-mobilehero-wildlife-section2

Be Bear Aware!

Respect Bears

  • Give bears plenty of space
  • Do not approach or provoke bears
  • Do not feed bears or leave food out
  • Be aware and respectful of bear dens
  • Leave “orphaned” or sick bears alone

“Bear in Mind” Tips

  • Buddy up: you are safer in a group
  • Make noise: this will prevent you from surprising wildlife
  • Use your senses; stay aware of your surroundings (headphones not recommended)
  • Carry bear spray; have it accessible and know how to use it
  • Back away from wildlife slowly, never run from a bear

The Bear Environment 

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Do Not Leave Food In Your Car

Do Not Leave Food In Your Car

Tread Lightly In Sensitive Habitats

Tread Lightly In Sensitive Habitats

“Bear in Mind” Tips

  • Buddy up: you are safer in a group
  • Make noise: this will prevent you from surprising wildlife
  • Use your senses; stay aware of your surroundings (headphones not recommended)
  • Carry bear spray; have it accessible and know how to use it
  • Back away from wildlife slowly, never run from a bear

The Bear Environment 

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Do Not Leave Food In Your Car

Do Not Leave Food In Your Car

Tread Lightly In Sensitive Habitats

Tread Lightly In Sensitive Habitats

Mind the Moose!

Let Moose Run Loose

  • View them from a distance
  • Never get close to calves; cow moose are extremely defensive
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, moose blend into summer foliage very well
  • Moose stand their ground, especially in moose habitats– avoid!

Mind the Moose!

Let Moose Run Loose

  • View them from a distance
  • Never get close to calves; cow moose are extremely defensive
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, moose blend into summer foliage very well
  • Moose stand their ground, especially in moose habitats– avoid!

The Moose Truce

  • If it hasn’t detected you yet, keep it that way.
  • If it knows you’re there, talk to it softly and move away slowly.
  • Don’t be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren’t a threat.
  • If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away.

Upset Moose? 

Turn your caboose and run! Unlike bears, running from moose is a smart survival strategy

If its ears are laid back and hackles (hair on the back of its neck) are up it is likely to charge

The Moose Truce

  • If it hasn’t detected you yet, keep it that way.
  • If it knows you’re there, talk to it softly and move away slowly.
  • Don’t be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren’t a threat.
  • If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away.

Upset Moose? 

Turn your caboose and run! Unlike bears, running from moose is a smart survival strategy

If its ears are laid back and hackles (hair on the back of its neck) are up it is likely to charge

More Resources

The following links contain much more detailed information on animal interactions in the wilds of Alaska:

Essentials for Traveling in Bear Country

Living in Harmony with Bears

What to Do About Aggressive Moose

Moose Calving Season is Here

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

alyeska-mobilehero-wildlife-section4

More Resources

The following links contain much more detailed information on animal interactions in the wilds of Alaska:

Essentials for Traveling in Bear Country

Living in Harmony with Bears

What to Do About Aggressive Moose

Moose Calving Season is Here

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

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