This is my journal of animals I encountered in Alaska. Most of these sightings were while walking through the wilderness, but some of the photos will demonstrate how the wilderness came to our front porch.
Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Can’t have a web page for Alaskan animals without something about bears. I think my understanding of bears may warrant a separate page just for them. Black bears are frequent visitors to our neighborhoods and everyone has a roster of bear stories to tell.
Black bears are the most common bears sighted in Juneau and in the area. Brown bears are wilder and usually stay out of neighborhoods. But black bears? They are very opportunistic and have acclimated to humans better than brown bears. They are generally harmless towards humans, but you will be wise to provide substantial space for an animal that weighs up to 500 pounds. They will produce a “woof” if they feel provoked and will attack animals and any poor soul that happens to startle them up close. Yet I have also had them walk by tourists at the Mendenhall Visitor Center without incident, something rather bizarre to observe as a large animal casually strolls through a parking lot full of buses, cars and a couple of hundred tourists. I had one walk up behind me within five feet without incident. Yet close, sudden encounters as well as any threatening behavior towards their cubs can induce an attack of which you will be severely mauled.
Their size and wildness, however, has generated considerable consternation amongst the citizens of Juneau. Garbage collection in the city must be done by strict rules to minimize bear visitations. The dern things actually recognize the sound of garbage trucks and will know when trash cans are going out. For that reason, you can’t place garbage carts out along the road until the morning of garbage pickup. We freeze food scraps, particularly fish carcasses. They have been known to break down doors, climb onto upper decks, climb into cars and crash through skylights.
Fascinating animals and a joy to observe — preferably at a distance.
Hoary Marmot
Marmota caligata
Interesting name for the species, caligata is Latin for “soldier’s boots.” Hmm — learn something new every day.
One of the most delightful animals in SE Alaska is the marmot. They are somewhat tame, being comfortable around humans. While working as a trail guide and later at the Mt. Roberts Nature Center, marmots would be sighted grazing in the common area between the Nature Center and the tram station. I would see them often on the trail on Mt. Roberts and routinely spotted them spying the coastline to Echo Ranch Bible camp ( a two mile hike ).
Marmots have two characteristics I noted as a guide. First, they are territorial and will habitually occupy the same spot. I noted these locations and pointed them out to tourists. They were amazed at my “eye sight,” but I told them that the secret was in their habit of being at the same place. The second characteristic that endears me to the animal is its sharp bark. For years, I would hear them from a distance. After retiring, while walking up the Eaglecrest road, I had one practically bark in my ear. He must have been startled when I walked underneath his perch on top of a rise next to the road. In the days to come, particularly near dusk, I would quietly approach that spot and see the animal gazing over the road. Before long, I would see a family of marmots scurrying across the road.
© Copyright 2026 to Eric Niewoehner
Photos, unless specified, are provided by the Creative Commons, usually Wikipedia.
Last Updated: