There are 384 recorded sightings of Polar Bear in Alaska, with 6 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in March through June.
When to See Polar Bear in Alaska
Most often reported in March through June.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | No |
| February | 11 | No |
| March | 26 | Yes |
| April | 17 | Yes |
| May | 8 | Yes |
| June | 21 | Yes |
| July | 7 | No |
| August | 0 | No |
| September | 21 | No |
| October | 22 | No |
| November | 16 | No |
| December | 8 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Polar Bear sightings in Alaska compare to other North American hubs:
Creamy white with a long neck and a small head, this is the largest living bear and the biggest land carnivore. It lives on Arctic sea ice and shorelines in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia and Norway, and hunts seals at breathing holes and ice edges. It swims well. In autumn, bears gather near Hudson Bay waiting for the ice to form, which makes late October to November the best time for guided viewing near Churchill, Manitoba.
Other Wildlife to Look for in Alaska
Track Polar Bear in Alaska
See where Polar Bear was reported near you — get alerts when wildlife is spotted nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Polar Bear in Alaska?
Polar Bear is most often reported in Alaska in March through June, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.
Where can I see a Polar Bear in Alaska?
There are 384 documented Polar Bear 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 Polar Bear 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.