Closures

A typical wildlife closure sign

nps photo / kent miller

 

There are both permanent and temporary wildlife closures every year in Denali. These areas are restricted to all entry and exist for the mutual protection of humans and wildlife. Because these closures may change throughout the season, it is important to ask a ranger at the Backcountry Information Center for recent closure information before each trip. Many closures are not marked with signs around their entire perimeter. The best way to avoid them is to obtain a detailed topographic map and mark the closures before your trip. It is your responsibility to know your location at all times and avoid closed areas. Failure to avoid closures may result in a citation.

A few reasons an area may be closed:

• Sensitive denning or nesting habitat, predator protecting a kill site, or some other wildlife-related reason
  
• Wildland fires
• An active search and rescue mission in the area
  
• Flooding or rockfall
• Construction or revegetation