Wildlife

Enjoying the nature and wildlife within Glacier National Park is part of the Glacier experience, with a wide variety of magnificent beasts wandering the forests and climbing the mountain slopes.

The Glacier region in northern Montana is overflowing with opportunities to enjoy wildlife. The Park or Forest Service protects much of the surrounding land, making it common to see and identify many different species of animals. Whether on a scenic drive or a nature trail, take a moment to appreciate the many animals in the area.

Some of the wildlife you are bound to see in the Glacier area include bears, mountain goats, bison, moose, elk, coyotes, and gray wolves. Some of these critters are easier to spot than others but consider yourself lucky whenever you do spot some wildlife and remember to keep your distance.

Bears
Both grizzly and black bears frequent the Glacier area. The color of their fur ranges from blond to black and when standing they tower around 8 feet tall. They are distinguished by a large hump over their shoulders and a scoop-shaped forehead. Black bears only stand about 4 or 5 feet tall and have a distinctive white patch on their chest. Although grizzlies can run up to 34 miles per hour, they run slower downhill because of the muscle over the shoulders.

Mountain goats
Mountain goats call the sheer faces of mountainous cliffs their home. Their luck and sense of balance allows them to seek this type of terrain for protection from predators. It is common to see mountain goats right from the road. They have beards, short tails and black horns. Their dense wool undercoats protect them in the winter. Mountain goats don’t usually live long in the wild. Their teeth wear down from eating lichen that grows on rocks, which eventually causes their starvation.

Bison
These magnificent creatures are easily spotted from your car, and you’ll often find them standing in the middle of the road. They are plant eaters and typically weigh about 1,000 pounds. They travel together in large herds. Bison typically appear to be very peaceful or even lazy, but their temperament is often unpredictable. They may attack without warning and without apparent reason.

Moose
Moose are actually the largest antlered animals in world, weighing between 800 and 1000 pounds. Only the males grow antlers, which are flat and wide, reaching six feet wide at times. Moose spend their time in meadows and in marshes, eating underwater veggies. They are fantastic swimmers. Moose can be unpredictable and aggressive, but unlike other dangerous animals, moose do not consider humans food, and won’t pursue someone if the person simply runs away.

Elk
From late September to early October, the bugling of bull elk is a common background noise. Elk live in high alpine meadows and are very social animals. They spend their time in open spaces and if necessary, hide in forests from predators and weather. The female or cow can weigh as much as 500 pounds with the male or bull weighing up to 700 pounds. Elk consistently feed during summer months, consuming up to 15 pounds of food a day.

Coyotes
Coyotes usually grow up to 34 inches in length, stand up to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 15 to 46 pounds. They range in color from a yellow-gray to a grayish brown. They eat everything from bugs to larger animals. Coyotes typically mate for life and the fathers play a large role in the raising of the pups, teaching them to hunt.

Gray wolves
Montana is one of the few homes for gray wolves (also known as timber wolves). They can have a length of over 6 feet long from nose to tip of tail, and weigh on the average of 79 pounds. The entire pack of gray wolves helps to raise a litter from one of their females.

Best Place for Viewing Wildlife in Glacier

For sightings of both the grizzly and black bears, search the forests, slide areas and the alpine meadows. Mountain goats can be found in the high peaks and meadows. Bison can be anywhere, even on the roads. Moose prefer coniferous forests and marshy areas, including streams and lakes. Coyotes hang out in forests and on grasslands, while wolves mainly like coniferous forests. Spot elk wandering and feeding in open forests and meadows.

Respecting Wildlife

  • Don’t feed wildlife. They can be aggressive with humans thereafter when denied food.
  • Avoid bear encounters by storing food and trash safely.
  • Always observe wildlife from a safe distance, as some larger animals can be dangerous and attack for no apparent reason.
  • Don’t disturb animals that are feeding, breeding or nesting.

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