Alaska is unlike any other state when it comes to wildlife conflicts. Moose wander through Anchorage neighborhoods, black and brown bears raid unsecured garbage cans, and wolves occasionally push into rural homesteads. Living alongside this level of wildlife diversity is part of what makes Alaska remarkable — but it also means you need to understand exactly where your legal rights begin and end when an animal becomes a problem on your property.
The rules governing nuisance wildlife in Alaska are shaped primarily by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and its administrative code, particularly regulations 5 AAC 92.410 and 5 AAC 92.420. Getting these rules wrong can result in serious criminal penalties, so knowing the framework before you act is not optional — it is essential.
Important Note: Wildlife regulations in Alaska can change through emergency orders and biennial Board of Game cycles. Always verify current rules with ADF&G or the Alaska Wildlife Troopers before taking any action against a wild animal.
What Counts as Nuisance Wildlife in Alaska
Alaska does not use a single, codified list of “nuisance species” the way some other states do. Instead, the state’s regulatory framework addresses two overlapping situations: animals that threaten life or property (governed by 5 AAC 92.410) and animals that cause ongoing damage or disturbance (governed by 5 AAC 92.420). In practice, the animals most likely to create conflicts for property owners include moose, black bears, brown (grizzly) bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, porcupines, squirrels, and ravens…