Glacier National Park, often called the “Crown of the Continent,” is a vast, protected, high-altitude ecosystem in northwestern Montana. Straddling the Continental Divide, the park encompasses over a million acres and supports exceptional biological diversity. This environment serves as a meeting place for species from the Pacific Coast, the Great Plains, and the northern Rocky Mountains. The park is home to nearly 70 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species, making it a significant stronghold for North American wildlife.
The Iconic Large Mammals
The park is known for its large carnivores, particularly the two resident bear species: the Grizzly Bear and the American Black Bear. Distinguishing them requires looking beyond fur color, as both species can be brown or black. Grizzly Bears are identified by a noticeable shoulder hump, a dished facial profile, and longer, straighter claws used for digging. Black Bears lack the prominent hump, possessing a straighter facial profile and shorter, curved claws better suited for climbing trees.
Grizzly Bears are part of one of the largest remaining populations in the contiguous United States, often inhabiting higher-elevation alpine meadows. Black bears are generally more common in forested areas and lower elevations. Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from both species.
Other large herbivores are frequently observed, including the Mountain Goat, the park’s unofficial symbol. These sure-footed mammals are adapted to the sheer cliffs and rocky slopes of high-alpine areas, possessing specialized cloven hooves with traction-creating pads. Their thick, white coat provides insulation, allowing them to survive temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep inhabit rocky ridges and grassy mountain slopes. Males are recognized by their massive, spiraling horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds. Moose, the largest member of the deer family, are typically found in lower-elevation wetlands and along lakeshores where they feed on aquatic vegetation. The Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys offer opportunities to observe these solitary animals feeding at dawn or dusk.
Diverse Smaller Wildlife
Glacier National Park provides habitat for several smaller mammals. The Wolverine, the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, inhabits remote subalpine fir forests and high-elevation zones. These powerful scavengers require deep snowpack that persists into the spring for denning.
The Canadian Lynx, a threatened species, is a specialized predator relying heavily on the Snowshoe Hare. Its large, heavily-furred paws act like snowshoes, enabling it to hunt effectively in the deep winter snows typical of higher elevations. These solitary cats prefer the park’s dense, remote forests and are rarely observed by visitors.
The American Pika, a small relative of the rabbit, lives in rock piles, known as talus slopes, in the alpine zone. Pikas do not hibernate; instead, they spend summer months gathering and storing vegetation, called “haypiles,” to sustain them through the winter. These small herbivores are highly sensitive to rising temperatures, making them an indicator species for climate change impacts. Ground squirrels and marmots are also abundant in the alpine and subalpine zones, often seen whistling warnings from atop rocks.
Avian and Aquatic Species
The park’s diverse habitats support nearly 280 species of birds, ranging from raptors to specialized waterfowl. Bald Eagles and Ospreys are commonly observed near large lakes and rivers, nesting in tall trees and hunting fish. The American Dipper, a small, dark-gray songbird, is uniquely adapted to the aquatic environment, walking and “flying” underwater in cold mountain streams to forage for insect larvae.
The cold waters of Glacier National Park are home to several important native fish species. The Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Montana’s state fish, faces threats from hybridization with non-native trout. The park actively manages its waterways to protect the remaining genetically pure populations, particularly those in the Columbia River basin.
The Bull Trout, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, requires the coldest stream temperatures for survival. The park’s glaciers and high-altitude snowpack are crucial for maintaining these necessary cold-water conditions. Amphibian and reptile populations are limited due to the cold climate, but the park is home to six species of amphibians and a few species of reptiles like the Common Garter Snake.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety Guidelines
Visitors to Glacier National Park must adhere to safety regulations to protect themselves and the wildlife. It is mandatory to maintain specific minimum distances from animals to prevent habituation and dangerous encounters. This distance is a minimum of 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other wildlife, including Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goats.
Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is an effective, non-lethal deterrent for aggressive bears and is advised for all hikers. The canister should be kept in an accessible location, such as a holster on a hip or chest strap, not inside a backpack.
Safety Requirements
- Never feed any wildlife, as animals accustomed to human food often lose their natural fear and must be removed from the park.
- All food, garbage, and scented items must be properly stored in bear-proof containers or secured in a vehicle to prevent attracting large carnivores.
- Hike in groups and make noise, such as clapping or talking loudly, to alert animals to human presence and avoid surprise encounters.