Watching Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park: A Journey into Untamed Wilderness
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, located in southeast Alaska, is a breathtaking testament to the raw beauty of nature. Encompassing over 3.3 million acres of dynamic landscapes—from towering glaciers and rugged mountains to temperate rain forests and pristine coastlines—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of wildlife.
Visitors to Glacier Bay are not just stepping into a park; they are venturing into a living laboratory where the drama of life unfolds daily.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the diverse wildlife of Glacier Bay National Park, uncovering the extraordinary species that call this remote wilderness home and exploring how they thrive in this ever-changing environment.
Wildlife of Glacier Bay National Park
Marine Mammals in Glacier Bay: Giants of the Bay
The waters of Glacier Bay teem with marine mammals, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and marine biologists alike.
Steller Sea Lions
Steller sea lions, a prominent marine mammal species in Glacier Bay National Park, are an integral part of this pristine Alaskan ecosystem. As the largest member of the eared seal family (Otariidae), these sea lions are easily recognized by their robust bodies, tawny to reddish-brown fur, and prominent external ears.
Glacier Bay provides a vital habitat for Steller sea lions, offering rocky outcrops and islands that serve as essential haul-out sites and rookeries for resting, socializing, and breeding.
During the summer months, these areas bustle with activity as females give birth to pups and nurture them. The nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay, teeming with fish, such as herring, salmon, and cod, support the sea lions’ voracious appetites and sustain their population.
Visitors to Glacier Bay often observe Steller sea lions basking on rocky shores or swimming energetically in the water. Their loud, guttural calls and playful behavior make them a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
The single best place to see Steller sea lions in Glacier Bay National Park is South Marble Island, which is a highlight on the Glacier Bay boat tour.
Harbor Seals
Harbor seals are one of most commonly seen marine animals in Glacier Bay. You’re almost guaranteed to see them on boat tours, especially near the iconic tidewater glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins.
Even from the shoreline of Bartlett Cove, you might be able to spot one or more of them in the water, though. I saw a curious harbor seal popping its head above the water’s surface while exploring the intertidal zone.
These sleek, spotted marine mammals are also often seen lounging on icebergs calved from tidewater glaciers, offering visitors a remarkable wildlife viewing experience. Glacier Bay is home to one of the largest harbor seal populations in the region, providing critical habitat for resting, birthing, and nursing pups.
Harbor seals rely on the park’s pristine waters and icebergs for protection from predators and as haul-out sites where they can regulate their body temperature. They are excellent swimmers, using their strong, streamlined bodies to navigate the cold waters in search of fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Sea Otters
Sea otters are a keystone species in Glacier Bay’s ecosystem. Known for their playful behavior and dense fur, they play a vital role in maintaining the health of kelp forests by preying on sea urchins, which, if left unchecked, can decimate underwater ecosystems.
Watching sea otters float on their backs, cracking open shellfish like crabs and clams, is a delight for visitors.
While you may spot some distant sea otters from the shoreline, the best way to see them is on a Glacier Bay boat tour (which starts at Bartlett Cove). I saw literally dozens on them when I did the full-day boat tour.
Humpback Whales
One of the most iconic marine animals in Glacier Bay National Park is the humpback whale. These majestic creatures migrate thousands of miles from their tropical breeding grounds to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska.
Visitors often witness humpbacks breaching, lobtailing, and bubble-net feeding—a cooperative hunting technique that showcases their intelligence and coordination.
Fun fact: In a single gulp, one humpback whale can take in more water than an average home uses in five months (15,000 gallons)!
As an official Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Glacier Bay National Park is a designated critical habitat for humpbacks, offering a safe haven where they can thrive.
You can see a complete skeleton of an adult humpback whale on the Tlingit Trail at Bartlett Cove, the only part of the park that’s accessible by road.
Orcas
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are a remarkable sight in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. These apex predators are commonly seen gliding through the icy waters of the park, which offers them a pristine habitat teeming with prey such as seals, sea lions, and fish.
Orcas in Glacier Bay can be categorized into two types: residents, who spend most of their time within the Bay and primarily eat fish, and transients, who travel greater distances and hunt marine mammals.
The park’s nutrient-rich waters, fed by glacial runoff, support a diverse ecosystem that attracts orcas. Visitors to Glacier Bay can often witness their striking black-and-white dorsal fins cutting through the waves, hear their vocalizations, or observe dramatic behaviors like breaches and tail slaps.
Terrestrial Mammals in Glacier Bay: Masters of the Land
Beyond its marine inhabitants, Glacier Bay National Park is home to a variety of land mammals, each uniquely adapted to this rugged environment.
Black and Brown Bears
Both brown and black bears roam the forests and shorelines of Glacier Bay. Brown bears are often seen fishing for salmon in streams or grazing on sedges in meadows, while black bears prefer the dense forests.
These powerful predators play a crucial role in the ecosystem, helping to regulate prey populations and distribute nutrients.
You may see or even encounter both brown and black bears anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park’s terrestrial areas. I saw a pair of brown bears on the Glacier Bay boat tour, while a few other visitors reported seeing a huge brown bear foraging along the waterline at Bartlett Cove.
Because Glacier Bay National Park is very much bear country, I recommend always having bear spray within reach. You may be able to get a free can of bear spray at the Visitor Information Center near the pier at Bartlett Cove (people often leave their bear spray because it’s not allowed to bring it on airplanes). Read how to use bear spray properly here.
Moose
Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are a common sight in the park’s wetlands and forests. These solitary herbivores are well adapted to the cold, using their long legs to wade through snow and marshes in search of willow, birch, and aquatic plants.
Some of the best opportunities to see moose in Glacier Bay are on the road from Gustavus, at Blackwater Pond (reachable via the excellent Forest Trail), and at the Bartlett River estuary.
While many people are most afraid of bears, moose actually injure more visitors than bruins in Alaska. Read more about what to do when encountering a moose here.
Mountain Goats
Mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park are remarkable creatures, perfectly adapted to the rugged Alaskan wilderness. These agile animals are known for their striking white coats, which provide excellent insulation in cold climates and camouflage against snow-covered landscapes.
Found in high alpine regions and steep cliffs, primarily in the middle and upper parts of the bay, mountain goats are expert climbers, using their strong hooves and balance to navigate challenging terrain. They thrive in areas with sparse vegetation, grazing on grasses, mosses, and shrubs.
Mountain goats play a vital ecological role, helping to shape plant communities and providing a food source for predators like wolves.
Visitors to the park often spot them along rocky slopes, marveling at their sure-footedness and resilience in one of the world’s most beautiful and demanding environments. I saw two families of mountain goats on the Glacier Bay boat tour myself.
Red Squirrels
Red squirrels are small, energetic residents of Glacier Bay National Park, playing a vital role in the park’s ecosystem. These tree-dwelling mammals are known for their rust-colored fur, bushy tails, and sharp vocalizations, often heard echoing through the forests.
Red squirrels primarily inhabit coniferous woodlands, where they rely on spruce and hemlock trees for food and shelter. You can see these industrious little animals in the woods of Bartlett Cove, particularly on the excellent Forest Trail.
Their diet consists of seeds, cones, fungi, and occasionally insects. They are industrious hoarders, creating food caches called “middens,” which help them survive the harsh Alaskan winters. These caches also contribute to the forest’s health, as forgotten seeds may germinate and grow into new trees.
Fun fact: A single red squirrel can harvest between 12,000 and 16,000 spruce cones per year, an incredible number!
Birds of Glacier Bay: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With over 280 recorded bird species, Glacier Bay is a haven for avian enthusiasts. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of birds, from seabirds and waterfowl to raptors and songbirds.
Bald Eagles
The bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom, is a common sight in Glacier Bay. These majestic birds of prey build massive nests in tall trees and feed on fish, carrion, and small mammals. Watching an eagle soar above the bay is an awe-inspiring experience.
You can see bald eagles are throughout Glacier Bay National Park and I’ve seen them on multiple occasions and at various locations, from the Bartlett Cove shoreline to the cliffs of the upper bay.
Puffins
Both tufted and horned puffins can be spotted along Glacier Bay’s rocky coastlines. These charismatic seabirds are known for their striking appearance and diving skills, using their wings to “fly” underwater in pursuit of fish. Puffin sightings are almost guaranteed on boat tours in the bay. (If it’s not clear by now, I STRONGLY recommend joining a Glacier Bay boat tour!)
Kingfishers
Kingfishers in Glacier Bay National Park are striking birds often seen near the park’s pristine waterways. The belted kingfisher, the most common species, is recognized by its blue-gray plumage, distinctive crest, and rattling call.
These skilled hunters perch above rivers, lakes, or ponds, diving swiftly to catch fish. Glacier Bay’s rich aquatic habitats provide ample feeding grounds for kingfishers. I recommend walking over the Blackwater Pond on the Forest Trail for the best chances to see one of them.
Ducks, Waterfowl, and Shorebirds
Ducks in Glacier Bay National Park thrive in diverse habitats, from glacial fjords to lush wetlands and rivers. Species like the harlequin duck, goldeneye, mallard, and merganser are commonly spotted. These waterfowl depend on the park’s pristine waters for food and shelter. Migratory ducks also visit seasonally, making the park a vital stopover for wildlife.
In addition to various duck species, Glacier Bay National Park is also home to numerous other waterfowl and shorebirds, from geese and swans to oystercatchers, loons and grebes.
Migratory Birds
Glacier Bay serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. Species like sandpipers, plovers, and swans flock to the park’s wetlands during their journeys, making spring and fall exceptional times for birdwatching.
Marine Life: Beneath the Surface
The waters of Glacier Bay are not just home to charismatic marine mammals but also host a rich diversity of fish, invertebrates, and plant life.
Salmon
Five species of Pacific salmon—king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum—spawn in Glacier Bay’s rivers and streams. These fish are a cornerstone of the ecosystem, providing nourishment for bears, eagles, and other predators.
Starfish and Sea Anemones
The intertidal zones of Glacier Bay are brimming with colorful sea stars, anemones, and other invertebrates. These organisms play vital roles in the marine food web and add to the park’s biodiversity.
Giant Pacific Octopus
Rare but fascinating, the giant Pacific octopus is one of the most intelligent invertebrates found in Glacier Bay. With their ability to camouflage and problem-solve, these cephalopods are a marvel of marine adaptation.
The Role of Glaciers in Shaping Wildlife
Glacier Bay’s namesake glaciers are more than just icy spectacles; they are dynamic forces shaping the ecosystem. As glaciers advance and retreat, they create a mosaic of habitats, from barren moraine fields to lush temperate rainforests. This constant change supports a variety of life stages, from pioneer species like mosses and lichens to mature forests teeming with wildlife.
For example, the retreat of glaciers has exposed fertile ground where salmon streams now flourish, attracting bears and eagles. Meanwhile, the icy waters near tidewater glaciers provide a rich feeding ground for seals and seabirds.
Conservation and Challenges
While Glacier Bay is a protected area, its wildlife faces numerous challenges. Climate change is perhaps the most pressing, as rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt and disrupt ecosystems. Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, poses a threat to marine life, particularly shellfish and plankton.
Human activity, such as shipping and tourism, also impacts the park. Regulations are in place to minimize these effects, including strict speed limits for vessels to reduce noise pollution and prevent collisions with marine mammals. Research and monitoring efforts are ongoing to ensure the long-term health of Glacier Bay’s ecosystems.
Experiencing Wildlife in Glacier Bay
For visitors, Glacier Bay offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Here are some of the best ways to experience the park’s biodiversity:
Boat Tours
Guided boat tours are a popular way to explore the bay, offering chances to see humpback whales, puffins, and tidewater glaciers up close. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the park’s ecology and history.
Most visitors experience Glacier Bay on an extended cruise, but, if you can, I highly recommend visiting Bartlett Cove and spending a night or two at the Glacier Bay Lodge. This is also where the amazing Glacier Bay Day Tour starts, arguably the number one best thing to do in the park.
Kayaking
Paddling through Glacier Bay’s serene waters provides an intimate encounter with nature. Kayakers often spot seals, sea otters, puffins, and even whales and orcas at a safe distance.
Hiking
Although the park isn’t known for its hiking opportunities, there are a few excellent trails in the Bartlett Cove area, such as the Tlingit Trail, Forest Trail, and Beach Trail. Hikers may encounter bears, moose, and an array of bird species along the way.
Camping
Camping in Glacier Bay allows for an immersive wilderness experience. Listening to the calls of birds or the splash of a breaching whale under a starlit sky is an unforgettable adventure. There’s only one developed campground in Glacier Bay National Park: the walk-in Bartlett Cove Campground.
Glacier Bay is a living testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of nature. Its wildlife, from the smallest intertidal creature to the largest whale, embodies the beauty and complexity of life in the wild. For those who venture into this Alaskan wilderness, the experience is not just about seeing animals; it’s about witnessing the intricate web of life that sustains them.
By appreciating and protecting Glacier Bay, we ensure that future generations can marvel at its wonders and learn from its untamed spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious traveler, Glacier Bay promises a journey into a world where wildlife reigns supreme and nature’s story unfolds with every passing tide.
