Wildlife of Alaska

The wildlife of Alaska includes some of the largest and most intact populations of large mammals, seabirds and marine animals in the United States. Alaska’s large, lightly developed landscapes support brown bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves, the “Big Five” of Alaska tourism, together with whales, sea otters, walruses and more than 30,000 bald eagles. Many of the animals follow some of the most notable migrations in the world [1][2].

Overview

Alaska’s vast, lightly developed landscapes support abundant wildlife, and the National Park Service says its parks offer close-up wildlife viewing unlike anywhere else in the nation. The parks also protect habitat and allow Alaska Natives to continue traditional hunting [1]. Alaska has some of the most notable animal migrations in the world [1].

The Big Five

Alaska Travel names the state’s “Big Five” as bear, moose, Dall sheep, wolf and caribou [2]. They are covered below, and bears and caribou have their own entries on the brown bear, polar bear and caribou in Alaska.

Bears

Black bears live in forested regions statewide, brown bears across most of the state, including Katmai, Lake Clark, McNeil River and Kodiak, and Kodiak bears can reach about 1,500 pounds. Both hibernate in winter, brown bears for five to eight months. Polar bears live on the northern Arctic sea ice [2].

Moose

Moose number about 200,000, with bulls up to 1,600 pounds. They are found in Southcentral Alaska and the Interior, including Denali, the Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park, and the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks [2]. The National Park Service describes them as plentiful and commonly sighted [1].

Caribou

Alaska has about 750,000 caribou in 32 herds, and some herds exceed 200,000 animals. They live in the Arctic, Southcentral, Interior and Southwest regions, with herds seen in places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic, Denali and Kobuk Valley [2]. The park service notes that herds travel up to 400 miles in a season and as much as 50 miles in a day [1].

Dall Sheep and Muskoxen

Dall’s sheep, white-coated sheep of mountain cliffs, can be seen along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage and in Denali, the Brooks Range and Wrangell-St. Elias. Muskoxen, tolerant of severe cold, number about 4,000 in specific northern and western areas, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Bering Land Bridge and Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge [1][2].

Wolves

Wolves number between 7,000 and 11,000 and range over about 85 percent of the state. They are rarely seen, though visitors to Denali and Katmai sometimes see or hear them [2].

Birds

More than 30,000 bald eagles live in Alaska, the densest population in the United States. Thousands gather on the Chilkat River in November and December and on the Stikine River near Wrangell in spring. Tufted and horned puffins nest from May through September and can be seen on coastal cruises, and the park service also lists migratory birds, shorebirds, seabirds and raptors such as the golden eagle [1][2].

Marine Wildlife

Humpback whales are common in summer in the Inside Passage, Southcentral and Southwest regions. Orcas, in resident, transient and offshore types, are found throughout marine waters, and gray whales are the first whales to arrive each spring, with migrations of up to 14,000 miles round trip. Sea otters live year-round from the Aleutians to the Inside Passage, and walruses are found in the Bering and Chukchi seas [2].

FAQs

What are the Big Five animals of Alaska? Bear, moose, Dall sheep, wolf and caribou.

How many caribou are in Alaska? About 750,000 in 32 herds, although several herds are declining.

How many bald eagles live in Alaska? Over 30,000, the densest population in the U.S.

Where can I see wildlife in Alaska? National parks and refuges such as Denali, Katmai, Kenai Fjords and the Arctic refuge, plus the Chilkat River for eagles.

Are there polar bears in Alaska? Yes, on the northern Arctic coast, usually on sea ice.

Sources

1. National Park Service: Wildlife in Alaska
2. Alaska Travel: Alaska’s Wildlife

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue