Wildlife in Lake Clark
Wildlife is an integral part of the unique beauty found in the Lake Clark area. Animals are important to many different user groups. Many local Native Alaskans and other rural residents are dependent on the resources the land provides. The wildlife of the area is also significant to the economy of the state as a fishery resource, as well as for sport hunting and fishing. In addition, it provides visitors with exciting opportunities for wildlife observation.

What Might I See?
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is home to a variety of large land mammals. Black bears are present throughout the park and preserve except at higher elevations. Brown (grizzly) bears are common in all habitats, but Chinitna Bay, along the coast, supports the most sizable concentration. Bear viewing is especially popular and many guiding services specialize in bear and wildlife viewing expeditions and day trips. Visitors who wish to capture animals on film can arrange a trip with a photography guide to view wildlife and record their animal encounters in photographs.

Caribou remain primarily in the hills around Turquoise, Twin and Snipe lakes and westward to the Bonanza hills. Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are found below timberline throughout the park. Dall Sheep range at higher elevations all along the western flank of the Chigmit Mountains.

Lake Clark is also home to many less conspicuous mammals. Coyotes are found in grassy as well as brushy or boulder-strewn areas of the park. Wolves are mainly in the park's mountainous areas, generally below 5,000 feet in coniferous forests, and in open tundra. Both red fox and lynx are found throughout the park at almost any elevation, primarily in coniferous-hardwood forests and open tundra. Other fur-bearers found in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve include marten, river otter, wolverine, weasels, mink, hares and beaver.

Both Chinitna Bay and Tuxedni Bay support a variety of marine mammals. Some of these mammals include sea lions, beluga whales, harbor seals and porpoises. Other whales may also be seen occasionally in the area.

Over 125 species of birds are found in the Lake Clark region. For more information on birdwatching, click here.

Take The Pledge!
The State of Alaska wildlife viewing page offers the following ethics guidelines. Pledge to uphold them and keep the wilderness wild!

• Give wildlife plenty of space. Binoculars and spotting scopes allow you to view wildlife without getting too close.
• Approach wildlife slowly, quietly, and indirectly. Always give animals an avenue for retreat.
• Try to view animals without changing their behavior. Avoid using calls or devices that attract wildlife. Resist the temptation to throw rocks to see a flock fly. Remember — harassing wildlife is illegal.
• Be respectful of nesting and denning areas, rookeries, and calving grounds. Well-meaning but intrusive visitors may cause parents to flee, leaving young vulnerable to the elements or predators.
• Stay on designated trails whenever possible.
• Leave “orphaned” or sick animals alone. Young animals that appear alone usually have parents waiting nearby.
• Restrain pets or leave them at home. They may startle, chase, or even kill wildlife.
• Let animals eat their natural foods. Sharing your sandwich may get animals hooked on handouts; it may even harm their digestive systems. These animals may eventually lose their fear of cars, campers, or even poachers.
• Learn to recognize signs of alarm. These are sometimes subtle. Leave if an animal shows them.