Wildlife

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE

We’re not the only ones who call this place home.

Within our regional boundaries are more than 22,000 square miles, thousands of lakes and streams, diverse wilderness areas and Glacier National Park—one of the most intact ecosystems in the continental United States. Numerous species of wildlife live within this terrain, including grizzly bears, black bears, bison, moose, wolves, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lions, wolverines, lynx and deer. There are also hundreds of species of birds that call our mountains and valleys home, including bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, snowy owls and golden eagles.

Mountain Goat on Mount Oberlin in Glacier National Park. © NATHANIEL PETERSON

WILDLIFE SAFETY: Wildlife is just that—wild. It’s important to act responsibly around wildlife, and it’s also vital that, while recreating in the area, we help preserve and enhance wildlife habitat by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, please be extra vigilant about not adding additional stress to our essential workers, like park personnel and first responders. That means staying safe and keeping others, including wildlife, safe as well.

1. View wildlife from the safety of your car or from a safe distance.

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and at least 25 yards away from other large animals.

2. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife, even when an animal does not seem to be threatened by your presence.

3. Let wildlife know you’re nearby. When hiking, be sure to bring a friend, carry bear spray, stay on designated trails and make noise at regular intervals.

GOOD TO KNOW: Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife, especially during the summer months. Western Montana is wild: keep in mind that you can see wildlife anywhere in the region. When recreating outdoors, be sure to practice proper outdoor safety to ensure your wildlife encounters are positive.

For more information, visit glaciermt.com/wildlife-watching and glaciermt.com/blog/wild-montana-enjoy-wildlife-safely-and-respectfully.