Alaska Puffins

Alaska Wildlife Viewing

Alaska wildlife viewing at Rainbow King; every fly-out puts you even further into the Alaskan wilderness. Alaska has over 430 species of birds, the largest population of bald eagles in the nation, and the largest carnivorous land mammal in the world, the brown bear. There are more than 50,000 black bears and 35,000 brown bears living in Alaska’s untamed wilderness: they’re lumbering through berry-covered hillsides, raising their young and slapping at salmon-choked rivers. From pygmy shrews that weigh less than a penny to gray whales that weigh anywhere from 16 to 45 tons, Alaska is the Last Frontier for animals as well as people. Species endangered elsewhere are still abundant in Alaska.
Lake Iliamna is home to a population of around 400 freshwater seals, which feast on fish and bask on the rocky islands at the lake’s northeastern end. In the distant past, ocean-going harbor seals migrated more than 60 miles up the Kvichak River and into the lake, where, enticed by the abundant salmon, they stuck around. Today, the Iliamna seals represent one of only five populations of freshwater seals in the world.

Alaska Wildlife Viewing Ethics

It’s a tremendous privilege to observe wild animals in their natural environment. In return for that privilege, it’s your responsibility to be respectful of both wildlife and habitats.

  • Give wildlife plenty of space. Binoculars and spotting scopes allow you to view wildlife without getting too close. Approach animals slowly, quietly, and indirectly. Always give them an avenue for retreat, and never chase an animal.
  • Learn to recognize signs of alarm. These are sometimes subtle, and they vary between species, but may include increased movements such as agitated flapping or pacing, heightened muscle tension, staring, or frequent vocalizations. If you sense that an animal is disturbed by your presence, back off. If it still does not resume its normal behaviors, leave it alone.
  • Be respectful of nesting and denning areas, rookeries, and calving grounds. Well-meaning but intrusive visitors may cause parents to flee, leaving young vulnerable to the elements or to predators. Stay on designated trails whenever possible.
  • Leave “orphaned” or sick animals alone. Young animals that appear alone usually have parents waiting nearby.
  • Let animals eat their natural foods. Sharing your sandwich may get animals hooked on handouts; it may even harm their digestive systems. Feeding bears, moose, and some other wildlife is illegal in Alaska except under terms of a permit issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
  • Tread lightly. If you choose to go off-trail, remember that you are a guest in the homes of the animals you seek. Try to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats such as wetlands, riparian zones, and fragile tundra.