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Caribou in Alaska

Caribou in Alaska

Rangifer tarandus

Caribou in Alaska — Quick Overview

There are 5,943 recorded sightings of Caribou in Alaska, with 186 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in June through September.

When to See Caribou in Alaska

Most often reported in June through September.

Monthly sightings distribution for Caribou in Alaska
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January55No
February0No
March75No
April85No
May202No
June486Yes
July400Yes
August436Yes
September682Yes
October105No
November0No
December97No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Caribou sightings in Alaska compare to other North American hubs:

Broad, splayed hooves and a thick brown-grey coat with a paler neck and rump mark this northern deer, and unlike most deer, females carry antlers too. It roams tundra, boreal forest and mountains across the Arctic and subarctic, grazing sedges and willow leaves in summer and digging for lichens under winter snow. Look for large herds on open ground during spring and autumn migrations, and listen for the clicking of tendons in the walking animals.

Other Wildlife to Look for in Alaska

Live Field Tracking

Track Caribou in Alaska

See where Caribou was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see a Caribou in Alaska?

Caribou is most often reported in Alaska in June through September, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.

Where can I see a Caribou in Alaska?

There are 5,943 documented Caribou records in Alaska. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.

How can I find Caribou sightings near me in Alaska?

Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Alaska.