Alaska Anchorage

Wild Animals in Anchorage:

Anchorage Alaska wildlife photography and viewing opportunities abound. Here are some of the hot locations and a list of what you might see.

Moose:

There are an estimated 1000 moose in the city limits of Anchorage and spotting one of them is very common. Even more common then on the Kenai Wildlife Refuge or even in Denali Park. Keep a camera handy as you travel the streets of Anchorage and don't be surprised if you get face to face with one of these residents of our fine city.

Black Bear:

Latest counts puts the population of black bears inside Anchorage at near 80 animals and the Anchorage vicinity at roughly 250 bears. Spotting one is not uncommon but you need to exercise the proper precautions for bear safety. Most black bears are spotted on the hillside area or on the many trails in and around town.

Brown Bear:

In the Anchorage bowl, there is estimated to be about 60 brown bears living, breading and feeding. Every year, hikers encounter close calls with these mighty bruins mainly in the Eagle River area and on the trails off of the Seward Highway. A typical year also records 4 to 5 reports of brown bears in residential neighborhoods.

Dall Sheep:

Just south of Anchorage, on the Seward Highway, near the scenic pull off at Beluga Point, Dall Sheep climb off the rugged sidehill and cross the road nearly every day to drink from the waters of Turnagain Arm. This is an excellent area to spot and photograph wild sheep up close, often not requiring a telephoto lense or adaptor.

Birding:

Potters Marsh, Westchester Lagoon, and Kincaid Park are some of the top bird watching locations in Anchorage.

Photographing Wildlife

Early Morning and Later in the Evening
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with a population of 277,498 people. Anchorage is located at the head of Cook Inlet in what is referred to as Southcentral Alaska. The area encompasses 1,697.2 sq. miles of land and 263.9 sq. miles of water.
View a Topographic map of Anchorage Alaska.
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Warning - These are wild animals, Approach with caution!