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 in Glacier National Park. © GLACIER NPS

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. 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/wildlife-and-bear-safety.

THINGS TO DO IN THE SPRING

A Western Montana spring brings epic wildlife watching, rushing waterfalls and hillsides covered in wildflowers. Our quiet season is arguably one of the best times to visit. Bonus: shoulder-season pricing, plus rental car and lodging availability.

BIKING: Ride the Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to vehicles.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Don’t miss these beauties along Flathead Lake.

BISON RANGE: Scope out the adorable baby animals spring brings, like bison, elk and deer.

BIRDING: Spring migration is one of the best times to birdwatch in Montana.

SPRING EVENTS: From concerts, rodeos and farmers markets to the International Wildlife Film Festival, our spring events calendar is full.

WHITEWATER RAFTING: Don’t miss the wild rapids created by spring runoff.

TAPROOM TOUR: Our breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries are open all year. Take a spring flavor tour.