Glacier National Park’s ecosystem is largely intact and relatively undisturbed due to two factors, its early designation as a National Park (founded 1910) and its massive size. Glacier spans over a million acres but is also surrounded by National Forests, Wilderness Areas, and Canadian protected lands providing resident wildlife plenty of room to roam.
Known as “The Crown of the Continent” Glacier is home to 71 species of mammals that come in a wide variety of sizes ranging from the diminutive pygmy shrew (same weight of a dime), all the way up to bull moose which can tip the scales at around 1,500 lbs. Observing Glacier’s wildlife is one of the main draws for the park and sometimes tourists get to experience thrilling encounters like this one filmed on a trail between a grizzly bear and a mother moose with offspring in tow.
Although grizzly bears are capable of taking down an adult moose, they more commonly predate on calves. Adult moose can kick in all directions, delivering devastating blows that can injure grizzlies so the apex predators generally focus their pursuits on vulnerable juvenile moose. This Glacier National Park grizzly was stalking a family of moose down a section of its over 700 miles of trails when the moose turned the tables and charged the grizzly which sent it scurrying for safety:
Experiencing an encounter the wildlife of Glacier National Park is a great privilege and should only be done while following the park policies in place to protect both the animals and visitors. Learn more about Glacier National Park wildlife safety below.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE SAFETY GUIDELINES:
All of Glacier’s wildlife can be dangerous. For most species, like moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer, visitors must maintain at least 25 yards of distance. For wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions, a distance of at least 100 yards should be observed.
The park provides a wonderful opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Along with this opportunity comes a special obligation for park visitors. Always enjoy wildlife from the safety of your car or from a safe distance. Do not approach wildlife to take photographs.
Visitors who have gotten too close to animals while trying to get a picture have been severely injured in the past. Use a telephoto lens instead. This will not only ensure your own safety, but also the safety of the wildlife. Feeding or harassing wildlife is strictly prohibited and subject to a fine.
All wildlife can present a real and painful threat, especially females with young and males during mating season.
