Wildlife
Lynx, Otters, & Bears
Oh My!
The Upper Kenai is home to all kinds of critters. Here we have both brown (grizzly) and black bears that feed on the region’s plentiful salmon and berries...and thus grow quite large. We also have plenty of moose and mammals large and small, slippery and spiky, furry and fierce.
Wildlife you might see
Here are but a few...
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Black & Brown Bear
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Moose
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Mountain Goat
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Dall Sheep
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Coyote & Wolf
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Red Fox
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Lynx
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Porcupine
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Hoary Marmot
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Beaver
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River Otter
Bear Aware
Bears are inherently curious, intelligent and faster than they look. They do not like to be surprised or harassed. Whether you’re out hiking, camping, fishing, biking or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, always be “bear aware” and remember, you are in their home.
Keep Your Distance
Give bears plenty of space. View and photograph from a safe distance.
Do not Surprise a Bear — Make Noise!
When biking or walking trails, sing, talk loudly or shout out frequently so bears know you’re coming. Avoid thick brush and hike in a group.
Do not Feed or Accidentally Attract Bears
It is illegal (and foolish) to feed bears on purpose or by not securing food, dishes or garbage in your vehicle or in bear-proof containers. In the backcountry, hang food between trees, out of their reach. Help keep
bears wild by picking up your garbage, keep grills clean, and take down your bird feeder. A fed bear is a dead bear, do your part to prevent negative human/bear encounters.
Do not Let Bears Get Your Fish
- If a bear approaches while you are fishing, STOP FISHING!
- If you have a fish on, either let out slack so the fish does not splash or cut your line.
- Immediately bleed caught fish (in the water), cut all waste into small pieces and toss into deep, fast moving water.
Do Not Run
If a bear notices you, stand your ground. Running will only trigger its chase instinct and no one can outrun a bear. Instead, talk in a normal voice. If it doesn’t run off, make more noise. If it charges, stand your ground; it will likely be a bluff.
Rules in Bear Country
Birding
Avian Adventures
Hundreds of bird species can be found on the Kenai. The area is a key migratory stop for trumpeter swans, arctic terns and sandhill cranes. The lush forests are home to woodpeckers, kingfishers, dippers and many others. The checklist below is a fraction of species you may see.
Violet-green swallow
Common Loon
Be on the lookout for:
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American Dipper
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Arctic Tern
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Bald Eagle
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Common Redpoll
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Goldeneye
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Loon
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Merganser
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Pine Grosbeak
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Ptarmigan
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Steller's Jay
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Red-necked Grebe
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Raven
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Trumpeter Swan
