Tongass National Forest

Wildlife Viewing

Imagine a place where you have the opportunity to see marine mammals, a wide variety of birds, and large land mammals such as Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, or the Alexander Archipelago wolf. Prince of Wales Island is that place.

With an extensive road system on the island, you can drive to some of the best areas to view wildlife on the island. Prime wildlife viewing areas include estuaries, major points along the coastline, and forest lands along the road system.

Estuaries are an excellent area to see harbor seals, waterfowl, shorebirds, and black bears. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall's porpoises, and Steller's sea lions may be seen from major points along the coastline. Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears are often seen while driving on the island. You may even get a rare glimpse of an Alexander Archipelago wolf.

Check out the Forest Service NatureWatch: Alaska site, Dog Salmon Fish Pass and Sandy Beach Recreation Area for more information.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has created fact sheets on a wide variety of fish, birds and animals. Alaska Wildlife Notebook Series Home Page is the index for the Notebook Series and is organized by category and individual "critters." You'll find detailed descriptions of the wildlife found in our state.

Viewing hints, viewing ethics, remote travel tips, state map, Alaska's “10 Most Wanted,” wildlife calendars and wildlife viewing guide are all at ADF&G's Division of Wildlife Conservation. Two more valuable resources, also available in brochure form at both ranger district offices, are "The Essentials for Traveling in Bear Country and Bear Behavior," and "Living in Harmony with Bears."

Other wildlife viewing brochures are also available at both district offices.