Seeing moose is high on the list for a lot of visitors, and for good reason! Moose are one of the most iconic animals in Alaska. Large and in charge, you’ll see these animals anywhere you go in Interior Alaska. Follow along to learn more about where and how to spot a moose! Go by yourself, with a friend, or best of all, with a wildlife guide! 

 

Best moose viewing spots near Fairbanks 

 

Where do moose like to hang out? 

  • Moose like to hang out near their food. In Interior Alaska, this means leafy shoots, horsetail, pond weeds, grasses, birch leaves, bark and willow branches. A lot of these plants grow in or near water.  
  • Roads and trails. Moose will often use well-established paths for travel. If you’re out driving or hiking, be on the lookout for moose.  
  • Moose love water. In the summer, moose spend a lot of time in and around water. Not only does their food grow near water, but water also helps them cool off.  
  • During the rut (September & October), bull moose travel farther than usual and prefer open areas where they can scout for cows. During this time, it can feel like moose are everywhere! 
  • In the winter, moose spend more time in spruce forests and areas protected from wind and snow. 

 

How to find a moose 

Once you know where moose like to hang out, looking for signs of moose is the next step! 

  • Look for plants that moose have been munching on. If you see broken willow branches, you may have stumbled across a moose buffet! 
  • Listen for moose calls. Moose make all sorts of noises. Before you go out looking for moose, be sure to get familiar with moose calls. 
  • Watch your step. This might sound silly, but one of the easiest ways to know if a moose is nearby to look for scat. If it's fresh, there’s likely a moose on the loose.

 

Safety

Moose aren’t mean, but they can be grumpy and very protective of their space. Respecting a moose’s space is the best way to have a positive moose experience. If you're this close to a moose, you're too close:

A person with a tripod taking a video of a moose. The person is standing very close to the moose.

 

Understanding moose behavior 

Paying attention to a moose’s behavior is an important part of gauging your safety. If you see any of the following, get distance and/or large objects (trees, cars, etc.) between you and the moose. 

  • Lowered ears 
  • A moose that’s staring and making eye contact 
  • Raised hair on its neck and back 
  • Charging or aggressive movement 

If a moose has calves with it, be extra cautious. Mother moose are very protective of their babies. During the rut (mating season), bull moose may be more easily agitated. Understanding moose behavior is the key to having an amazing and safe wildlife experience.

 

What to do if you encounter a moose 

Seeing a moose is always exciting, but it’s important to stay cautious and give it plenty of space, especially if you’re outside of your vehicle. If you encounter a moose, follow these guidelines: 

  • Observe from at least 75 feet away if the moose appears calm. 
  • If the moose shows signs of aggression, move away immediately and change direction. 
  • If necessary, get behind a large object (like a tree or car) to put space between you and the moose. If you have a head start, it is okay to run to create distance. In an unlikely worst-case scenario, bear spray can be used as a deterrent.  
  • Don’t stop in the road for photos. Pull over safely into a designated area or parking lot, stay inside your vehicle and take pictures from there.  
  • If a moose is blocking the road, slow down, stop, turn on your hazard lights, and wait patiently. Never honk or try to pressure it to move.  

If you spot a baby moose, remember that the mother is almost always nearby. Never approach a calf, no matter how cute it is. 

A baby moose surrounded by vibrant fireweed flowers.

While it’s important to be safety-minded, don’t let the possibilities scare you. Alaskans love moose, and you should too. They’re gangly, silly and majestic all at once. Pair moose viewing with nearby activities, attractions and tours, explore the area and see if luck is on your side. Always be on the lookout for wildlife and enjoy! 

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Sources: Rutting Behavior of Moose (U.S. National Park Service), Avoiding moose collisions (U.S. National Park Service), 50 Incredible Moose Facts About The World's Largest Deer Species, Why Are Moose More Dangerous than Bears? | HowStuffWorks, Wildlife Safety Educational Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Moose Safety Tips: What to Do if You Encounter a Moose - Outdoors with Bear Grylls, Moose: Did You Know? (U.S. National Park Service), 11 Moose Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, Moose: Wildlife Notebook Series - Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Moose: Did You Know? (U.S. National Park Service), How Big is a Moose? (Size, Weight, Height) - Wildlife Informer, Moose — Wildlife Viewing, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kicking and Stomping, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=moose.main, Moose: Did You Know? (U.S. National Park Service), https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=moose.main, Why Do Moose have Antlers? – North American Nature, Judging Bull Moose Antlers, Why Are Moose More Dangerous than Bears? | HowStuffWorks, Ask a Biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Rutting Behavior of Moose (U.S. National Park Service)