Alaska Highway – Wildlife on the ALCAN – TOP 10 BEST Animals to See

The Alaska Highway offers a unique opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Along the highway, you may spot animals such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, beavers, porcupines, and many species of birds, including the majestic bald eagle. It is important to remember to keep a safe distance from the wildlife, as they can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. It is also important to respect the animals’ natural habitats and not disturb them or their surroundings.

You may also have the chance to see Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bison along the Alaska Highway. The highway also passes through several national parks and wildlife refuges, such as the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a wide variety of migratory birds and waterfowl. It is also common to see foxes, martens, and hares along the highway.

It is important to note that while wildlife viewing can be a highlight of a trip on the Alaska Highway, it can also be unpredictable. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It’s also important to be aware of the regulations and guidelines that are in place to protect the wildlife and their habitats.

If you want to increase your chances of seeing wildlife, it’s recommended that you travel during the spring and summer months when the animals are more active and visible. It’s also a good idea to seek out the advice of local experts, such as park rangers or guides, who can provide information on the best places to spot wildlife along the highway.

Tips for observing wildlife while on the Alaska Highway

• Be patient: Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be patient and not rush your trip.
• Keep a safe distance: Always remember to keep a safe distance from the wildlife, as they can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
• Respect their natural habitats: Do not disturb the animals or their surroundings. Observe them from a distance and do not interfere with their natural behaviors.
• Travel during the right time of year: Spring and summer months are generally the best times to spot wildlife along the Alaska Highway, as the animals are more active and visible during this time.
• Seek out the advice of local experts: Park rangers and guides can provide valuable information on the best places to spot wildlife along the highway.
• Be prepared: Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera or a spotting scope, also be aware of the weather conditions, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Be aware of regulations: Be familiar with local regulations and guidelines that are in place to protect the wildlife and their habitats.
• Keep quiet: Noise can scare wildlife away, so keep noise to a minimum, and avoid using loud devices like radios or flash photography.
• Observe from a vehicle: Observing wildlife from a vehicle is usually safer and less disruptive than approaching them on foot, but also be aware of the traffic.
• Take a guided tour: Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the wildlife and the best ways to observe them safely and responsibly.

Animals on the Alaska Highway:

It’s worth noting that the list is based on the animals that are more likely to be seen, not all of them are found all over the highway, and some are more rare than others, also depending on the season.

1. Moose

These large herbivores are commonly seen along the Alaska Highway, particularly in the spring and summer.

They are the largest members of the deer family, and can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Moose have long legs and a large, humpbacked body, and are characterized by their long, pendulous snout and the large palmate antlers of the males. Moose are generally solitary animals, but can be found in small groups during the mating season.

They are primarily active during the early morning and late evening, and are known to feed on a wide variety of plants, including willows, birches, and aquatic vegetation. Moose are generally not aggressive towards humans, but can become dangerous if they feel threatened. Moose hunting is allowed in certain areas of North America and the hunting season varies depending on the state or province.

2. Caribou

These members of the deer family are known for their large antlers and are often seen in herds along the Alaska Highway.

Caribou, also known as reindeer, are large, hoofed mammals that are native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are members of the deer family and are closely related to the domestic reindeer. Caribou are known for their thick, insulating fur and large, concave hooves that allow them to move easily across snow and ice.

They are also known for their large antlers, which are shed and regrown each year. Caribou are migratory animals and travel long distances to find food and mate. Populations of caribou have been declining in recent years due to a variety of factors such as habitat loss, overhunting and climate change.

3. Grizzly bears

These powerful predators can be found in areas with abundant berries and fish, such as along the highway’s many rivers and streams.

Grizzly bears, also known as North American brown bears, are large, predatory mammals that are found in North America, particularly in Alaska and western Canada. They are known for their shaggy fur, which ranges in color from blonde to black, and for the hump of muscle on their shoulders that gives them their distinctive “grizzled” appearance.

However, they are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened or if they have become accustomed to human food. It’s important to be cautious and follow the guidelines set by the park or sanctuary you’re visiting, as well as carry bear spray and make noise while hiking in bear country to avoid surprising a bear.

4. Black bears

These smaller bears are also frequently seen along the highway and are known for their adaptability to different habitats.

Black bears are one of the most common types of bears found in North America, and can be found in Canada, Alaska, and throughout the United States, except for Hawaii. Black bears are omnivores and their diet includes berries, fruits, roots, insects, fish, small mammals, and carrion. They are active during the day and night and are known to be opportunistic feeders. Black bears are less likely to attack humans than grizzly bears and will usually avoid human contact if given the opportunity.

5. Wolves

Wolves can be found in many areas along the Alaska Highway, particularly in the northern regions of British Columbia and the Yukon. They are generally elusive animals and are not commonly seen, but they can be heard howling at night in remote areas. It is important to remember that wolves are wild animals and should be respected and observed from a safe distance. If you do encounter a wolf, it is important to stay calm and back away slowly.

Do not feed or approach the wolf, as it can become accustomed to human food and lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is also important to follow any guidelines set by the park or sanctuary you are visiting, as well as carrying bear spray and making noise while hiking in wolf country to avoid surprising a pack.

6. Wolverines

Wolverines are found in remote wilderness areas of North America, including the northern regions of British Columbia and the Yukon along the Alaska Highway. They are known for their stocky build, thick fur, and fierce reputation. Wolverines are opportunistic predators and scavengers, and their diet includes small mammals, birds, fish, and carrion. They are also known to raid the caches of other animals, such as caches of food of the wolves or bears.

They are solitary animals, and they are active year-round and are able to survive in some of the harshest environments in North America. Wolverines are not commonly seen, but their tracks can be found in the snow in the winter, and their distinctive vocalizations can be heard in the summer. It is important to remember that Wolverines are wild animals and should be respected and observed from a safe distance. If you do encounter a Wolverine, it is important to stay calm and back away slowly.

Do not feed or approach the wolverine, as it can become accustomed to human food and lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations.

7. Lynx

Lynx are not commonly seen along the Alaska Highway, but their tracks can be found in the snow in the winter, and their distinctive vocalizations can be heard in the summer. If you are lucky enough to spot a lynx, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be respected and observed from a safe distance.

Do not feed or approach the lynx, as it can become accustomed to human food and lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is also important to follow any guidelines set by the park or sanctuary you are visiting, as well as carrying bear spray and making noise while hiking in lynx country to avoid surprising a lynx.

8. Dall sheep

Dall sheep can be found in the mountainous regions along the Alaska Highway, particularly in the northern regions of British Columbia and the Yukon. They are known for their distinctive, thick, white wool and curved horns. They are typically found at elevations above the tree line, where they graze on grasses, lichens, and mosses.

Dall sheep are often seen on rocky outcrops and high mountain ridges, and they are well adapted to the rugged terrain. They are also known for their agility and sure-footedness, which allows them to navigate steep and rocky slopes with ease.

If you are lucky enough to spot Dall sheep while on the Alaska Highway, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be respected and observed from a safe distance. Do not feed or approach the sheep, as it can become accustomed to human food and lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is also important to follow any guidelines set by the park or sanctuary you are visiting, as well as carrying bear spray and making noise while hiking in sheep country to avoid surprising a sheep.

9. Bison

These massive mammals were reintroduced to the region in the 20th century and can be found in the national parks and wildlife refuges along the Alaska Highway. Bison are native to the Great Plains of North America and are not found in the northern regions of British Columbia or the Yukon where the Alaska Highway runs through. They were nearly driven to extinction in the late 1800s but have since been reintroduced in some parts of the Great Plains and other regions of North America through conservation efforts.

10. Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey that can be found along the Alaska Highway, particularly in the northern regions of British Columbia and the Yukon. They are known for their distinctive white head and tail, as well as their large, sharp talons and hooked beak. They primarily feed on fish, but they will also prey on small mammals and birds when food is scarce.

Check more great places to visit in British Columbia along the ALCAN here: Alaska Highway – TOP 6 BEST Stops Along the ALCAN in British Columbia, BC

Bald Eagles are often seen along the Alaska Highway, particularly near rivers and lakes where they can hunt for fish. They are also known to nest in tall trees, and their large stick nests can often be seen along the highway.

If you’re lucky enough to spot a Bald Eagle while on the Alaska Highway, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be respected and observed from a safe distance. Do not feed or approach the eagles, as it can become accustomed to human food and lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. It is also important to follow any guidelines set by the park or sanctuary you are visiting. Observing Bald eagles can be a beautiful and exciting experience, and by following these guidelines, you can ensure that both you and the eagle remain safe.

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