Anchorage 101
Anchorage Wildlife
Moose On The Loose If you came to Alaska to see moose, you're in the right place. Moose have the run of Anchorage. Bull moose routinely stop traffic in the middle of town as they prance through city streets and people's yards in the fall. Cow and calf moose commonly step into plastic swimming pools in backyards to cool off in the summer. Moose are so common that the Anchorage Daily News publishes a yearly calendar, with "moose in the city" photos. (Photo, Buck Shreck)
Poised On Cliffs Head down Turnagain Arm toward Girdwood and you might see Dall sheep on roadside cliffs. These sheep play and protect their young far above the Seward Highway. Watch the Dall sheep from pullouts near Bird Point. (Photo, Buck Shreck.)
On Potter Marsh Arctic terns are members of the water-dwelling tern family. These birds are among the ducks, swans, and seagulls you'll see in the area. You'll find these birds at Potter Marsh, just south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. If heading south, make sure you are careful while turning left to Potter Marsh. At times on the Seward Highway, its safer to go past your destination and turn around, heading north.
Moose On The Loose If you came to Alaska to see moose, you're in the right place. Moose have the run of Anchorage. Bull moose routinely stop traffic in the middle of town as they prance through city streets and people's yards in the fall. Cow and calf moose commonly step into plastic swimming pools in backyards to cool off in the summer. Moose are so common that the Anchorage Daily News publishes a yearly calendar, with "moose in the city" photos. (Photo, Buck Shreck)
Anchorage Wildlife is Everywhere Slideshow
Anchorage wildlife is abundant. Large mammals like bears and moose share the city with hikers, bikers, and cars. On coastal trails and city streets, moose roam looking to eat tree tips and grasses. Bears are less prominent, but a few black and brown bears are occasionally spotted on the trail system or the Hillside.
Anchorage is a birder's paradise, with numerous species on migration routes. Check the local ponds, swamps, and wetlands for birds in all seasons. Even the trees on the coastal trail are filled with woodland birds at all times of year.
Enjoy this slideshow of Anchorage wildlife by local photographer Buck Shreck.