Species at Anan Bear Viewing Site
Visitors can see a diversity of Alaskan wildlife at Anan Creek. View this page to learn more about the mammals, birds and fish that inhabit this area.
Mammals
Mammals can best be viewed in the early morning or late evening at Anan Creek. Be prepared to be patient if you hope to see bears visiting the falls. These twilight hours provide the greatest chance of catching a glimpse of these wetland animals. Remember, all wildlife is WILD! Never approach wild animals and use "bear sense" when travelling on the in bear country. Click on the animal's name to learn more about it.
- Brown bear (Ursus arctos)
- Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
- Mink (Mustela vison)
- River Otter (Lutra canadensis)
- Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Black Bear
Bear Sense at Anan Creek
Visitors much recognize that this is NOT a zoo or a wild animal park where animals and people are safely segregated. Bears at Anan have full access to the entire area including the trail and observatory.
Most bears at Anan are used to people, however it is prudent to be cautious. When hiking the trail, make your presence known - especially where vegetation or terrain make it hard to see and where the rushing creek is loud. Make noise, sing, talk loudly or carry a bell. If you should encounter a bear on the trail, stop and give the bear plenty of room. Do not run! Running from a bear may trigger it to chase you.
Most bears will try to avoid people. If you are approached, slowly back away. If you can't detour around a bear, then back off and wait for it to leave. Dogs are prohibited at Anan since dogs can lead irritated bears back to their owners.
Do not bring food to the observatory or feed bears. It is illegal to feed bears in Alaska. "Feeding" includes intentionally leaving food unattended or accessible to bears.
Please stay on the trail and in the observatory. Leave beaches, streamsides and surrounding areas for the bears. When people occupy the bears' fishing areas or travel ways, they may prevent bears from getting the food that they need to survive the winter.
Birds
American Dipper or Water Ouzel "fly" underwater! You will see them bobbing along in a fast current, and then, ZWOOP, they disappear from sight. When they return they often have a beak full of small aquatic invertebrates. Dippers are solitary birds and often nest behind waterfalls. They have a beautiful, melodic song. the dipper, or "water ouzel" was John Muir's favorite bird.
Mergansers (Mergus spp.)
Mergansers are streamlined diving ducks that are often spotted in streams and lakes throughout southeast Alaska. Commonly called "fish ducks," they have long, narrow bills with sharply serrated "teeth" along the margin. This specialized bill helps the duck grab slippery salmon fry and smolt - one of their favorite foods. Merganser families often have up to fifteen young!
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Bald eagles are plentiful on Anan Creek during and after the pink salmon run. In fact, there are more bald eagles in Alaska than in all the other states combined!
With their white head and 6.5 - 8 foot wingspan, bald eagles are unmistakeable. The lagoon at low tide is a good eagle viewing area as they feed on stranded fish and carcasses in the shallow water.
Fish
Anan Creek supports one of the largest runs of pink salmon or humpback salmon in Southeast Alaska. The salmon in turn attract a wide variety of wildlife. A cascading waterfall not far from saltwater slows the migrating salmon, making them easier for bears to catch. Click on this link to learn more about pink salmon.