Wildlife Viewing

When you visit the Tongass National Forest, you're entering the home of all sorts of animals, from tiny shrews and flying squirrels to huge moose and brown bear. When you act as a good guest, you'll be rewarded with the chance to watch these creatures in their natural environment without disturbing them as they go about their daily lives. Proper etiquette requires that you give your hosts their space. If they stop what they were doing, appear nervous, leave or approach, you're too close. Coming too close can harm the animals and can put you in danger, too. We don't have skunks here, but moose and bears can do significant damage if irked. Be particularly wary around mothers and their young. Disturbing the animals stresses them and can make it harder for them to put on the fat reserves they'll need to make it through the winter. For more information on how to find and watch the wildlife of the Tongass, check out the tips below. NatureWatch Viewing Sites in Southeast Alaska Guidelines for Wildlife Viewing Tips for Wildlife Viewing in Southeast Alaska The Bear Facts Stikine River Tidal Flats Shorebird Sister Schools Program Birdwatching on the Moraine Ecology Trail Aside from the chance encounter with a bear in your travels through the Tongass, the Forest Service has established several areas designed specifically for bear viewing. These are places bears congregate naturally when there are fish around. Facilities have been built to make it easier and safer for people and bears to coexist, allowing the people to view the bears with minimum disturbance to them. For more information about specific bear viewing areas, check the sites below. Anan Creek (Wrangell) Fish Creek (Hyder) Margaret Creek (Ketchikan) Pack Creek (Juneau)

Updated March 24, 2005