Wildlife viewing is a special part of visiting Alaska. The vast wilderness areas of the state mean that we have a good chance of seeing wildlife when we venture out for both day hikes and longer visits into more remote areas. One of our favorite species to see are moose! These huge animals are frequently spotted in all of the areas we visit, and it is always an awe-inspiring experience to watch them.
In the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas, we commonly see moose – often we see these animals near the edge of the Kenai River from a raft or boat. Visitors to Denali National Park are also treated to magnificent moose sightings. They are often seen both along the park road and in the surrounding areas accessible by foot.
As the largest member of the deer family, adult males (called bulls) can weigh up to 1400 pounds and adult females (cows) can weigh up to 1100 pounds! Moose typically prefer to live in forested areas that are near to a body of water, such as a river, lake or marsh. Due to their very long legs, they are excellent swimmers and can move very quickly both on land and in the water. They graze on grass, bushes, coniferous needles, deciduous leaves, and are commonly spotted wading in ponds and marshes, eating underwater vegetation. Moose are often recognized by their antlers, which are produced only by the bull moose. These antlers have a flat area (similar to the palm of our hands) with the tines of the antlers pointing up. These antlers are grown in the spring, and the males spar with them during “rut,” or the breeding season, in the late summer and early fall. The antlers are then shed in early winter once the breeding season is complete. Cows give birth to their calves in late May or early June, and it’s not uncommon for them to have twins or even triplets.
Wildlife viewing, including our special moose, abounds on all of our trips and packages. And while we can’t guarantee you’ll see any specific species, all of our knowledge and experience does guarantee that you’ll have tons of opportunities to spot wildlife on your trip with us. Our guides, boat captains and drivers are experts at keeping an eye out for wildlife, know special places to look, and have flexibility to pause for an amazing encounter when it presents itself. If you have any questions about booking a visit with us, contact our experienced reservations team online or at 800.334.8730.
More information about moose can be found on the National Park Service’s website and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.