Alaska is home to a substantial moose population, a prominent part of the state’s wildlife. These large members of the deer family are widely distributed across the Alaskan landscape. With an estimated population of 175,000 to 200,000 animals, moose are a common sight from wilderness to urban peripheries. Their widespread presence means encounters are common for residents and visitors.
Alaskan Moose Distribution
Moose are found throughout most of Alaska, from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic Slope. They are particularly prevalent in Southcentral and Interior Alaska, often concentrated along major river systems like the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Susitna. Their preferred habitats include boreal, mixed deciduous, and shrub-rich forests. Moose are frequently observed in recently burned areas, as these sites regenerate dense stands of willow, birch, and aspen, which are primary food sources.
Moose also thrive in spruce forests, freshwater marshes, and river valleys. While they avoid open tundra, milder winters have allowed some populations to expand their range north. Some moose are year-round residents, while others are migratory, moving up to 60 miles between seasonal ranges for calving, rutting, and winter foraging. They can even be seen in urban areas like Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and Anchorage, especially during winter when snow drives them towards more accessible food sources and pathways.
Interacting with Alaskan Moose
Moose are not inherently aggressive, but they can become defensive. More people in Alaska are injured by moose annually than by bears, highlighting the importance of understanding their behavior. Maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards (23 meters); more space is advised if a cow has a calf. Getting too close can provoke a defensive response, particularly from a mother protecting her young or a bull during the fall mating season.
Warning signs that a moose may be agitated include ears laid back, hair raised on its hump, lip licking, teeth clicking, or snorting. If a moose stares and walks slowly towards you, it may be a warning to back away. Many moose charges are bluffs, intended to make you retreat, but always take them seriously.
If a moose charges, run and seek cover behind a solid object like a tree, vehicle, or building. If knocked down, curl into a ball, protect your head, and remain still until the moose moves a safe distance away.