ADFG Seeks Public Help Reporting Fairbanks/North Pole Moose Sightings

Biologists will use reports to locate and collar urban moose as part of new study on mortality and conflicts

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is asking residents in the Fairbanks and North Pole areas to report moose sightings between February 23-27, 2026. Biologists will use these reports to locate and safely immobilize adult female (cow) moose as part of a new study on urban moose within the Fairbanks Management Area, a 300 square-mile moose management zone. The study aims to learn about moose movement, survival, habitat use, and provide a better understanding of moose mortality, especially vehicle collisions, to guide future management strategies.

Why it matters

Unlike moose in many areas of Alaska, those within the Fairbanks Management Area face few predators but have many human-related challenges, such as vehicle collisions and other negative human/moose encounters. This study will help biologists improve nuisance response and provide information to guide future habitat projects to reduce conflicts and collisions within the area.

The details

As part of this project, biologists will safely immobilize moose using dart-delivered sedatives, collect samples, and fit GPS collars that will record locations every 6 hours for about 5 years. The goal is to collar 15-20 moose this year and another 10-15 next year.

  • The public reporting period is February 23-27, 2026.

The players

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The state agency responsible for managing Alaska's fish and wildlife resources.

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The takeaway

This study will provide valuable data to help biologists better understand and manage the urban moose population in the Fairbanks area, leading to improved strategies for reducing conflicts and collisions between moose and residents.