Wildlife of The Mat-Su
This is a landscape where the Alaskan spirit is embodied by the animals that call it home. With over 25,000 square miles of diverse habitat stretching from the coastal flats of the Knik Arm to the subarctic tundra of the Alaska Range, The Mat-Su offers a front-row seat to some of the most iconic wildlife spectacles on earth. Whether you are scanning the ridgelines for the flash of a Dall sheep or watching the silver flow of a salmon run in a clear mountain stream, wildlife viewing here is an exercise in patience, respect, and awe.
The Heavyweights: Moose & Bears
These are the titans of the area. We aren’t exaggerating when we say there are more moose than people in certain parts of the Valley. Be sure to look for them in the willow thickets. Black bears are common in the forested lower elevations, while the mighty Grizzly (brown bear) is often spotted in the salmon-rich corridors of the Knik River Valley or the high-alpine berry patches of Hatcher Pass.
Moose Safety
Moose are defensive and can charge if they feel cornered or have calves. Be sure to maintain a minimum safe distance of 25 yards (2 school buses).
Bear Safety
Keeping distance prevents defensive-aggressive behavior and keeps bears wild. Maintain a minimum safe distance of 100 yards (1 football field).
High-Altitude Icons: Sheep & Caribou
Known as “white shadows,” Dall Sheep are a staple of the Glenn Highway corridor. Scan the rugged cliffs for the distinctive white coats of rams and ewes. Members of the Nelchina herd of caribou are frequently seen in the northern and eastern reaches of the Borough. Look for them moving across the tundra plateaus near Eureka Summit or in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Dall Sheep Safety
Approaching sheep on cliffs can cause them to fall or abandon critical grazing areas. Use binoculars to observe these thin air specialists to avoid startling them.
Caribou Safety
Startling a herd forces them to burn critical calories needed for migration and winter survival. Maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 yards (half a football field), as caribou are highly sensitive to humans.
Salmon, Beavers, & Otters
Life in the Valley is dictated by the rhythm of the water. From July through September, our rivers turn into a silver and red highway. Witnessing thousands of King, Sockeye, and Coho salmon fighting their way upstream is a foundational Mat-Su experience. In the quieter sloughs and the lake chains, beavers and otters are constantly at work. Look for their lodges and the distinctive “V” of a swimming beaver in the twilight hours.
Salmon Safety
Walking in spawning beds destroys the next generation of fish. Please stay off the banks to help protect the species for future visitors to enjoy.
Beaver & Otter Safety
Maintain a minimum safe distance of 25 yards (length of a pool). Otters can be surprisingly defensive if they feel their den or young are threatened.
Lynx, Wolves & Wolverines
For the truly adventurous explorers, The Mat-Su holds deeper secrets. While sightings are rare, the tracks of wolves, the tufted ears of a lynx, or the rugged silhouette of a wolverine are the ultimate prizes for the patient observer in the Denali backcountry.
Search for Birds
Wildlife is just the beginning. Head over to our comprehensive bird watching guide to learn where to spot these migratory species throughout The Mat-Su Borough.
Wildlife Guides & Wilderness Lodges
From professional wildlife photographers and grizzly viewing charters in the Knik River Valley to remote lodges that offer front-porch wildlife viewing, our partners are the experts of the wild. Use the directory below to find the services and local experts ready to help you navigate the incredible world of Mat-Su wildlife.
Togo Aviation
Palmer, AK 99645
Alaska Highland Hugs
Aurora Dora Photography
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska
Willow, AK 99688
Susitna Air Service LLC
Willow, AK 99688
Alaska State Parks
Wasilla, AK 99654
Lighthouse Island Alaska AirBnB
Wasilla, AK 99654
Adventures by True North AK
BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Our multi-day itineraries are filled with helpful suggestions as you sculpt your own Alaska journey. If you’re staying in nearby Anchorage, check out our day-trip ideas.
