meet the local
WILDLIFE
Alaska’s Interior and Arctic, including the Fairbanks area and Denali, are well known for large, unspoiled landscapes that serve as great habitat for animals. Each highway branching out from Fairbanks crosses large tracts of boreal forest, subalpine or Arctic tundra. Along the way, you may see moose, bear, fox or caribou. Also keep your eyes open for beaver, ermine, red squirrels and other small animals. Be sure to take your binoculars for close-up views from a safe distance. Moose are a common part of life for most Alaskans. These massive, hulking creatures wander through our sports fields, poke around our neighborhoods and nonchalantly cross our roads and highways. Moose are generally happy to pose for a picture or two but leave them plenty of room, especially when calves are nearby. Caribou travel in large herds during spring and fall migrations but are often seen in small bands or as 20
individuals during the summer. In Fairbanks, some visitor attractions include experiences with caribou’s domesticated cousin—reindeer—and are a popular way to learn about these fascinating animals and snap an up-close photo or selfie. Bears may be spotted fishing along streams with spawning salmon in the summer. In late summer and fall, they are often found feeding on berries in open meadows or on the tundra. Black bear populations are plentiful in Alaska’s Interior, but sightings of this shy animal are rare outside of national parks and state recreation areas. Bring along potent bear spray if you’re hiking outside of urban areas, just in case. Fox are another commonality in the Fairbanks area and can sometimes be seen darting across the road in woody, brushy areas. If you’re lucky, you may see one with the “cross” coloration—a dark band crossing the shoulders and back. Look for the Arctic fox north of the Brooks Range. White in winter and gray or
