Alaska Endangered Animals: What’s Listed, What’s Protected, and What You Can’t Do

Alaska is one of the last places on Earth where truly wild landscapes still define the daily lives of animals. It is one of the few places on the planet where wildlife roam wild lands, and the state’s constitution recognizes that fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and other replenishable resources belong to Alaskans and are to be maintained in perpetuity. But even this vast wilderness is not immune to extinction pressure.

Alaska is home to 13 endangered species and 8 threatened species, with at least 6 species under consideration for ESA protections. Whether you live here, work here, or are visiting, understanding which animals are protected — and what the law requires of you — is not optional. Violations carry serious consequences, and ignorance of the law is not a defense.

This article walks you through how endangered species are listed and protected in Alaska, which animals are currently at risk, what you legally cannot do around them, and how to report a sighting or stay compliant on private land.

Key Insight: Alaska has relatively few ESA-listed species compared to other states — but the ones that are listed carry full federal protections that apply to everyone, on public and private land alike.

How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Alaska

The legal foundation for protecting endangered animals in Alaska is the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), signed into law in 1973. The ESA provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species, habitats, and the ecosystems upon which they depend across Alaska and the country. It is one of the most powerful environmental laws in the United States.

Under the ESA, two classifications matter most:

• Endangered: A species is considered endangered if it is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
• Threatened: A species is considered threatened if it is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

A species, subspecies, or distinct population segment of a species may be listed as endangered or threatened under Section 4 of the ESA upon petition or by voluntary review by the Services. Individuals or organizations may initiate the species listing process by submitting a petition to FWS or NMFS explaining why they believe a particular species should be classified as threatened or endangered. The agency then must determine within 90 days, to the extent practicable, whether there is substantial information indicating that listing the species may be warranted.

In Alaska, two federal agencies share oversight. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) together administer the ESA. FWS has jurisdiction over terrestrial and freshwater species, whereas NMFS has jurisdiction over marine wildlife and anadromous fish. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the protection, conservation, and recovery of endangered and threatened marine and anadromous species under the ESA, with the exception of sea otter and polar bear in Alaska.

Alaska has relatively few species listed under the ESA. Many species that are rare, endangered, or have been extirpated elsewhere in the United States are thriving in Alaska. Geographical isolation, relatively recent population growth, limited development, a small agricultural industry, conservative laws on the introduction and importation of exotic animals, and a little luck all contribute to these relatively favorable conditions.

Alaska’s state agency, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), works alongside federal partners to coordinate ESA compliance and recovery efforts. ADF&G recently formed an Endangered Species Act (ESA) team, including a wildlife biologist, to increase communication within Fish and Game and with other agencies and organizations addressing issues related to threatened and endangered species.

Important Note: Alaska does not currently maintain a separate state-level endangered species list with its own legal framework equivalent to the federal ESA. All primary protections flow from federal law.

Federally Listed vs. State-Listed Endangered Animals in Alaska

When you hear “endangered species in Alaska,” the protections you need to understand are almost entirely federal. Unlike some states that operate parallel endangered species programs with their own lists and penalties, Alaska’s system is primarily governed by federal statutes.

At the federal level, two agencies hold the primary authority. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages land-based and freshwater species, while NOAA Fisheries covers marine and anadromous species. All marine mammals are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which adds another layer of legal protection beyond the ESA for species like whales, seals, and sea lions.

At the state level, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game tracks species of concern through its own conservation science programs. The Alaska Species Ranking System (ASRS) is a prioritization tool that assesses the conservation status of native vertebrates in Alaska. It was developed in collaboration with ADF&G’s Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity (TED) Program. The goal of the ASRS is to provide detailed information on the conservation needs of Alaska’s wildlife to help the TED Program and their partners set priorities for wildlife conservation.

The ASRS identifies what are called Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) — animals that may not yet be federally listed but warrant monitoring and proactive management. Additionally, BLM designates and manages sensitive species in part to reduce the need for new ESA listings. Alaska has 37 wildlife species and 51 plant species designated as Sensitive — species that have identified threats and/or downward population trends occurring on BLM-managed lands in significant enough populations that land management actions can affect their status.

Category	Governing Authority	Legal Teeth?	Who It Covers
Federally Endangered (ESA)	USFWS / NOAA Fisheries	Yes — civil and criminal penalties	Everyone, on all land types
Federally Threatened (ESA)	USFWS / NOAA Fisheries	Yes — same protections as endangered	Everyone, on all land types
Marine Mammal Protection Act	NOAA Fisheries / USFWS	Yes — separate federal law	All marine mammal interactions
BLM Sensitive Species	Bureau of Land Management	Proactive management only	Activities on BLM-managed lands
State SGCN (ASRS)	ADF&G / ACCS	No independent state penalties	Conservation planning tool

The key takeaway: if a species is federally listed, you are bound by federal law regardless of whether you are on state land, federal land, or private property. You can also explore endangered animals in Washington or endangered animals in Virginia to compare how neighboring and regional states approach species protection differently.

Notable Endangered Animals Found in Alaska

Alaska’s endangered and threatened species span marine mammals, seabirds, and large terrestrial animals. Here is a look at the most significant species you should know about.

Cook Inlet Beluga Whale

The Cook Inlet beluga whale is one of the most critically imperiled animals in Alaska. Beluga whales are highly social, gregarious animals found in Arctic and subarctic waters. They weigh around 3,150 pounds, reach 16 feet long, and can live up to 90 years. The number of Cook Inlet beluga whales has declined more than 75%, from 1,300 in 1979 to only about 300 today. They face threats from human interactions, habitat constraint, climate change, human-caused noise, predation, and prey limitations.

North Pacific Right Whale

The North Pacific right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species and one of the rarest marine mammals worldwide. Eastern North Pacific right whales are the most endangered whale population in the world — only an estimated 30 whales remain. This makes them among the most critically endangered animals on the planet, not just in Alaska.

Polar Bear

No animal represents Arctic fragility quite like polar bears. Found primarily along northern and western coasts, these marine mammals are currently listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Alaska’s Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears had more than 1,700 bears in the early 1980s — today there are fewer than 900.

As sea ice melts earlier each year due to climate change, these bears increasingly move onto land, leading to more human-wildlife conflict. If you encounter a polar bear in Alaska, federal law strictly governs how you may respond. You can learn more about what to expect from Alaska’s most formidable wildlife in our guide to dangerous animals in Alaska.

Steller Sea Lion (Western Distinct Population Segment)

The Steller sea lion is the largest sea lion in the world. Males can weigh up to 2,500 pounds — up to three times the size of females — and reach 11 feet long. They can live for up to 30 years. The western population segment remains listed as endangered. Populations in the state’s western regions have experienced mysterious declines, highlighting the complexity of managing native animals in Alaska in changing oceans.

Spectacled Eider and Steller’s Eider

Both eider species are listed as threatened under the ESA. Steller’s eider and spectacled eider utilize BLM-managed habitat on Alaska’s North Slope. BLM is active in efforts to recover both species through habitat management, research, and education efforts. These sea ducks depend on specific coastal and tundra habitats that are increasingly affected by climate change and industrial activity.

Bowhead Whale and Sei Whale

The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) and the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) are both listed as endangered under the ESA, with their ranges extending into Alaskan waters. Both species face ongoing threats from vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and ocean noise pollution.

Bearded Seal (Beringia DPS)

Bearded seals are named for their long, white whiskers, which they use to find prey near the sea floor. They are the largest arctic seal, weighing up to 800 pounds, are 7 to 8 feet long, and some can live to 40 years. The Beringia distinct population segment is found off the coast of Alaska, over the continental shelf in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. Climate change, increased shipping activity, and offshore oil and gas exploration and development are threats.

Pro Tip: Alaska’s endangered species are heavily concentrated in marine environments. If you operate a boat, fish commercially, or conduct any activity near coastal or open water, you are most likely to encounter legally protected animals and need to understand the applicable rules.

Alaska is also home to unique venomous and otherwise hazardous wildlife. Our guide to venomous animals in Alaska covers the species that pose physical risks, distinct from the conservation concerns discussed here. For context on species that have not survived, see our resource on extinct animals.

What You Cannot Do Around Endangered Animals in Alaska

The ESA’s Section 9 prohibitions are broad and apply to private citizens, businesses, and government agencies alike. Understanding what constitutes a violation is essential before you set foot in Alaska’s wilderness.

The Endangered Species Act prohibits importing, exporting, taking, possessing, selling, and transporting endangered and threatened species, with certain exceptions. The word “take” is legally defined to include a wide range of actions beyond outright killing.

Specifically, you cannot do any of the following without authorization:

• Hunt, shoot, wound, or kill any listed species
• Trap or capture a listed animal, even temporarily
• Harass or pursue a listed species in a way that disrupts its normal behavior
• Harm a listed species, which includes significantly degrading its habitat
• Possess, sell, or transport any listed animal or its parts
• Import or export listed species across U.S. borders

The ESA provides that land necessary for the survival of the species should be designated as critical habitat. This includes land that is presently occupied by the listed species and land that is important for its continued and future existence. The prohibition against “taking” a listed species includes destruction of critical habitat.

For marine mammals specifically, the Marine Mammal Protection Act adds additional restrictions. Approaching whales, dolphins, seals, or sea lions too closely — even without physical contact — can constitute harassment under federal law. NOAA Fisheries publishes species-specific approach guidelines, and violations are taken seriously even when no harm appears to have occurred.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that “harassment” only applies to intentional acts. Under the ESA and MMPA, unintentional harassment — such as a boat approaching a whale pod too closely or a drone flying over a polar bear den — can still result in a federal violation.

Other exceptions under the ESA include incidental take by federal actions, national security issues, hardship cases, possession of a preexisting historical item, and certain actions by Alaskan Natives. If you believe an exemption may apply to your situation, contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries before proceeding.

Endangered Species on Private Land in Alaska

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the ESA is that its protections do not stop at the boundary of federal land. If an endangered species is found on your private property in Alaska, federal law still applies to you.

Property owners and developers must understand the potential impacts of their activities on listed species, as an unauthorized take of a listed fish or wildlife species may be subject to civil or criminal liability under Section 11 of the ESA. The presence of an endangered or threatened species on private or public land that overlaps with real estate development may impose certain duties, such as avoiding unauthorized take.

This applies to a wide range of activities, including construction, land clearing, water diversion, and even routine agricultural operations. If your planned project might affect a listed species or its designated critical habitat, you are required to consult with the relevant federal agency before proceeding.

There are legal pathways available to private landowners who need to work within or near listed species habitat:

1. Incidental Take Permits (Section 10): If you cannot avoid affecting a listed species during an otherwise lawful activity, you can apply for an incidental take permit. This requires preparing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that minimizes and mitigates the impact.
2. Safe Harbor Agreements: Voluntary agreements that allow landowners to manage their land in ways that benefit listed species without taking on additional regulatory burden.
3. Candidate Conservation Agreements: Proactive agreements for species that are not yet listed but may be in the future.

As a violation of the ESA’s prohibition on unauthorized take can lead to civil and criminal penalties, property owners and developers should take the necessary steps to ensure ESA compliance early in the real estate development planning stages.

For project-specific guidance, if you have questions about permits or regulations regarding threatened or endangered species, contact USFWS and/or NMFS. If you need an official determination regarding whether ESA-listed species may occur in your project area, contact one or both of these federal agencies.

Pro Tip: Use NOAA’s Alaska ESA critical habitat mapper to determine whether any listed species or designated critical habitat overlaps with your property or project area before starting work.

How to Report an Endangered Animal Sighting in Alaska

If you spot an endangered or threatened animal in Alaska — especially one that appears injured, stranded, or in distress — reporting it to the right agency can make a meaningful difference for conservation efforts.

Here is where to direct your report depending on the species involved:

• Marine mammals (whales, seals, sea lions): Contact NOAA’s Alaska Regional Office or call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline. For entangled or injured marine mammals, immediate reporting is critical.
• Terrestrial and freshwater species (polar bear, eiders): Contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alaska Regional Office or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
• General wildlife sightings for research purposes: Submit data through ADF&G’s wildlife reporting tools or through citizen science platforms that partner with state agencies.

Along with agencies and other conservation partners, Defenders of Wildlife launched and hosts an ongoing Cook Inlet beluga monitoring effort that engages volunteer citizen scientists and collects data about this critically endangered beluga population. Participating in programs like this is one of the most direct ways you can contribute to recovery efforts.

When making a sighting report, try to record as much of the following information as possible:

1. Date, time, and precise location (GPS coordinates if available)
2. Species (or best description if you are unsure)
3. Number of individuals observed
4. Behavior and any signs of injury or distress
5. Photographs or video if obtainable without disturbing the animal

Important Note: When observing and documenting any endangered animal, maintain a safe and legal distance at all times. Approaching too closely — even with good intentions — can constitute harassment under federal law and may interfere with the animal’s natural behavior.

Alaska’s Alaska Wildlife Alliance also accepts reports and coordinates grassroots recovery strategies for several of the state’s most imperiled species. Their work on Cook Inlet beluga whales and polar bears makes them a valuable community resource for concerned residents and visitors alike.

Penalties for Harming or Taking an Endangered Animal in Alaska

Federal penalties for ESA violations are significant, and they apply regardless of whether harm was intentional. If you disturb, harm, harass, or kill a listed species in Alaska without authorization, you are exposed to both civil and criminal consequences.

Taking a species generally includes causing any harm to a federally protected animal or plant species. Any individual that knowingly takes a listed species can be fined up to $25,000 by the federal government for each violation or instance.

The civil penalty structure under the ESA breaks down as follows:

Violation Type	Maximum Civil Penalty (per violation)
Knowing violation of take prohibition (ESA Section 9)	Up to $25,000
Negligent harassment or unintentional take of a listed species	$1,566 for otherwise violating a provision of the ESA, including by negligently harassing a listed animal
Criminal violation (knowing and willful)	Up to $50,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment
Violation of Marine Mammal Protection Act	Up to $10,000 per violation (civil); $20,000 and/or 1 year imprisonment (criminal)

An individual or organization may receive fines or imprisonment, as well as additional penalties, for each violation — meaning each individual of a listed animal species taken without authorization. Each animal counts as a separate violation, which means penalties can compound rapidly if multiple individuals of a species are involved.

ESA provisions are enforced through the use of citizen suits, imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture. In addition to monetary fines, violators can have equipment, vehicles, and vessels used in the commission of a violation seized and forfeited to the federal government.

Enforcement in Alaska is carried out by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, and the Alaska Department of Public Safety. These agencies coordinate on both marine and terrestrial violations and actively prosecute cases involving listed species.

Common Mistake: Assuming that an accidental encounter cannot result in a penalty is a dangerous misconception. If you fail to take reasonable precautions around a known listed species — such as operating a vessel at speed near a whale feeding area — that negligence can still trigger civil liability under the ESA.

If you are involved in an incident involving an endangered species — whether as an observer, a landowner, or someone who may have inadvertently caused harm — contact an attorney with federal environmental law experience before making any statements to enforcement agencies. The legal framework here is complex, and early legal guidance can be critical.

For additional context on how other states handle these protections, see our coverage of endangered animals in West Virginia. You may also find it useful to compare the animals discussed here with our broader resources on the biggest animals in the world and the animals native to Australia to understand how conservation challenges vary by region and ecosystem.