Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent”, Glacier National Park provides tourists with a stunning look at melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. Over 700 miles of trails are spread throughout the park, providing a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Glacier’s wide range of habitats create a home for a diverse range of wildlife, with everything from the smallest insects to the world’s largest species of deer, the moose. Moose can weigh up to 1,200 pounds, with cows weighing between 600-800 pounds. Even smaller moose can be intimidating and though they’re not typically agressive they should always be treated with respect. These hikers encountered a moose while on a trail in Glacier National Park. Fortunately the people in the clip stayed calm and no one tried to approach the animal, though it’s not exactly clear how the situation ends.
Though they’re typically non-aggressive, moose can become very dangerous if provoked. Moose, like any animals, should always be given plenty of space. When people approach them or attempt to chase them away, moose become stressed and may respond aggressively. Learn more about wildlife safety in Glacier National Park below.
Glacier National Park Wildlife Safety:
Glacier provides a wonderful opportunity to view animals in their natural setting. Along with this opportunity comes a special obligation for park visitors. With just a little planning and forethought, visitors can help ensure the survival of a threatened or endangered species. Always enjoy wildlife from the safety of your car or from a safe distance. Do not approach wildlife to take photographs. Every year visitors get too close to wildlife in order to get a picture. Sadly, injuries have occurred as a result. Use a telephoto lens instead. This will not only insure your safety, but the safety of the animal. And never approach a bear or get out of your car to get a picture of a bear.
Feeding, harassing, or molesting wildlife is strictly prohibited and subject to fine. Bears, mountain lions, goats, deer, or any other species of wildlife can present a real and painful threat, especially females with young.
For most wildlife, like moose, elk, bighorn sheep mountain goats, deer, and coyotes, visitors are to be at least 75 feet (25 yards/23 meters) away. For wolves, grizzly and black bears, visitors need to be at least 300 feet (100 yards/91.4 meters) away.