Wildlife Spotting in Early Spring: Where to See Alaska’s Animals Wake Up

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Spring in Alaska is like nature hitting the snooze button—everything wakes up slowly, but once it does, it’s an explosion of life. The snow starts melting, the days get longer, and the wildlife reappears in full force. If you’re visiting Alaska in April, you’re in for a treat: bears are coming out of hibernation, moose are on the move, and migratory birds are arriving in massive flocks. And the best part? You can witness it all with a reliable AVIS Alaska rental car, taking you exactly where the action around wildlife spotting is.

So, where should you go? What should you look for? And how do you avoid turning a casual wildlife-spotting drive into a surprise bear encounter? We’ve got you covered.

1. Best Places to Spot Bears Emerging from Hibernation

By April, Alaska’s bears are finally rolling out of bed, stretching their legs, and looking for food. This is prime time to see them—just maybe from a safe distance.

Where to Go:

  • Turnagain Arm & Girdwood (1-hour drive from Anchorage) – Drive along the Seward Highway, and you might catch black bears scavenging along the coastline.
  • Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (3-hour drive from Anchorage) – Early spring is when brown bears wake up in this vast wilderness.
  • Denali National Park (5-hour drive from Anchorage, seasonal road access) – While the park isn’t fully open yet, the first section of the road often allows early glimpses of bears.

Pro Tips for Spotting Bears:

  • Look near rivers, estuaries, and coastlines—these areas thaw first, offering hungry bears their first meals.
  • Dawn and dusk are your best times to spot them. Bears prefer to be active when the light is low.
  • Bring binoculars (and a zoom lens). Getting too close is not recommended unless you enjoy the idea of being a bear’s brunch.

2. Moose on the Move: Where to Find Them in Spring

Moose are everywhere in Alaska. They don’t hibernate but move around a lot more in the spring as they search for fresh vegetation.

Where to Go:

  • Kincaid Park (Anchorage) – One of the best places to spot moose without even leaving the city!
  • Potter Marsh (Anchorage) – Moose are often seen wading through this wetland area.
  • Hatcher Pass (1.5-hour drive from Anchorage, road conditions permitting) – The scenic drive here offers prime moose-spotting opportunities.

Pro Tips for Spotting Moose:

  • They love wetlands and areas where fresh greenery is popping up.
  • Keep a lookout while driving—moose often wander onto roads, especially at Dawn and dusk.
  • If you see a mother with a calf, give them plenty of space—moose moms don’t mess around when it comes to protecting their babies.

3. Birdwatching in Spring: The Great Migration Begins

Spring is when thousands of birds return to Alaska, making it one of the best times for birdwatching. If you love spotting rare species, this is your season!

Where to Go:

  • Potter Marsh (Anchorage) – A hotspot for waterfowl like trumpeter swans and Canadian geese.
  • Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (Fairbanks) – One of the best places to watch migratory birds touch down.
  • Homer Spit (Homer, 4.5-hour drive from Anchorage) – By late April, this area is packed with shorebirds getting ready for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival in May.

Pro Tips for Birdwatching:

  • Bring a good pair of binoculars—birds won’t always pose for close-ups.
  • Mornings are usually the best time to see active birds.
  • Check out birding apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to track sightings in real-time.

4. Bonus Wildlife Sightings: Caribou, Wolves, and More

While bears, moose, and birds steal the show, plenty of other animals wake up and make moves in April.

  • Caribou – You might see them in Denali or along the Dalton Highway.
  • Wolves – These are more elusive, but early morning in Denali or Kenai Peninsula can yield sightings.
  • Dall Sheep – Look up! These white mountain goats love hanging out on cliffsides along the Seward Highway.

Wildlife Spotting Safety Tips (a.k.a. How Not to Get Eaten or Trampled)

  • Keep Your Distance—No matter how cute or majestic an animal looks, it does not want a selfie with you. Stay at least 300 yards from bears and 50 yards from moose.
  • Use Your Car as a Viewing Blind—One of the perks of renting a car is that you can stay inside while watching wildlife safely.
  • Don’t Feed the Animals – Ever. Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural behaviors and can make them dangerous.
  • Carry Bear Spray (If Hiking)—Bear spray is a must–have for safety if you plan to explore on foot.
  • Check Road Conditions—Spring means some roads are still icy or muddy. Before heading out, check 511.alaska.gov.

Ready to Explore? Rent with AVIS Alaska!

Spring wildlife spotting in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and the best way to do it is with a reliable rental car. Whether you’re chasing bear sightings on the Kenai Peninsula, moose-watching in Anchorage, or heading to Fairbanks for birdwatching, AVIS Alaska has the perfect vehicle to get you there.

Book your rental today and hit the road for an epic wildlife adventure!