Turnagain Treats!

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the state, for both Alaskans and visiting tourists. And most of us residents are blessed with a broad diversity of animals often within a stone's throw of our homes or favorite recreational areas.

Over the years a population of Dall Sheep living in the Chugach Range of mountains has discovered a manmade source of salt...a critical element in their diets and often difficult to find in nature. The highway department adds salt to their sand for spreading on our highways and roads to melt the ice for safer driving conditions. This salty sand and gravel collects along the shoulder of our roads where this group of sheep have discovered it. And over the years, what was once just a few ewes and lambs visiting this "salt lick" throughout the year has turned into quite an example of some magnificent adult sheep in the mix now.

This full curl ram, a true trophy by all standards, is about nine years old and has several of his buddies accompany him down to the roadside diner to nibble and lick the gravel for its salt. This affords the passing motorist some incredible memories as well as an exceptional opportunity to get photos of these animals.

You can learn more about where you can find and view these animals by reading the page on Wildlife Viewing Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats.

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