Top 5 Animals: Glacier National Park Wildlife
Glacier National Park wildlife is some of the best in all the national parks and the world. The park is home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, deer, and many other wild animals. This section of the Rocky Mountains is perfect for these animals to thrive. The dense forests provide shelter from the harsh weather, and the abundant food and water sources allow them to stay healthy and strong.
In addition, Glacier National Park is located in a remote area and protected by the National Park Service. This allows the animals to live undisturbed by humans and provides visitors with an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. Glacier National Park truly is a place where you can witness some of the most amazing mountain wildlife on earth.
1. Grizzly Bear
If you’re lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear in Glacier, it’s definitely an experience you’ll never forget.
Although these majestic creatures usually do their best to avoid human contact, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to get close for the perfect selfie. Grizzlies are incredibly territorial, and they have been known to attack if they feel their space is being invaded.
Admire them from a safe distance, and enjoy the fact that you were able to see one of these incredible animals in its natural habitat.
Where Can Grizzly Bears Be Found In Glacier National Park?
Grizzly bears can be found throughout the park, but they are most commonly seen in the western part of Glacier National Park. This is likely due to the fact that there are more open areas in the west, which makes it easier for grizzly bears to find food.
What Trails Can I See Grizzly Bears On?
One spot in particular is Iceberg Lake Trail, which is known for its high concentration of grizzly bears. If you’re hoping to see a these beasts on your visit to Glacier National Park, this is definitely the place to go.
When is the Best Time to See Grizzly Bears?
Grizzly Bears can be seen anytime of day. However, the best time to see them is early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most active.
What Should I Do If I See A Grizzly Bear?
If you see a grizzly bear, it’s important to stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements. Slowly back away from the bear, and make sure to keep your eyes on it at all times. Do not run, as this will trigger the bear’s instinct to chase. If the bear does attack, use your bear spray to defend yourself.
2. Bighorn Sheep
It would be very hard not to see these amazing creatures during your travels. Bighorn sheep in Glacier National Park are a very common sight throughout the entire summer for a few reasons. One being there are tons! The second is they are very well adept to the harsh climate and climbing on rocky terrain to avoid opportunistic predators. These animals are an important part of the ecosystem in Glacier National Park and their presence helps to keep the vegetation in check. If you’re lucky enough to spot a Bighorn Sheep on the Rocky slopes while you’re visiting Glacier National Park, be sure to take a moment to appreciate these incredible animals.
Where Can Bighorn Sheep Be Found In Glacier National Park?
Bighorn sheep can be found throughout the park, but they are most commonly seen in the Logan Pass part of Glacier National Park. This is due to the fact that there are more open areas in Logan Pass, which makes it easier for them to find food. There is also less predators at this high elevation making this the ideal place to find Bighorn Sheep.
What Trails Can I See Bighorn Sheep On?
Hidden Lake Trail is one of the best places to see Bighorn Sheep in Glacier National Park. This trail offers stunning views of the lake, as well as the many Bighorn Sheep that call this place home.
When is the Best Time to See Bighorn Sheep?
The best time to see Bighorn Sheep is anytime during the day. These creatures don’t care what time it is, they will be out doing their thing.
3. Elk
Elk are an amazing sight to see in Glacier National Park, with their large antlers. Because of their herd mentality, when you see one elk there is a good chance there are more around. They are most commonly seen in the lower elevations of the park away from steep slopes, but can be seen in higher elevations as well. These animals are an important part of the ecosystem in Glacier, and provide food for predators such as wolves and bears. Elk grazing can have a significant impact on the vegetation in an area, spreading seeds to new areas of the park through their digestive tract. In addition, elk droppings provide essential nutrients for forest ecosystems. For all these reasons, elk play an important role in the health of Glacier National Park.
Where Can Elk Be Found In Glacier National Park?
Elk can be found throughout Glacier National Park, but are most commonly seen in the lower elevations. This is due to the fact that there is more vegetation in the lower elevations, which provides Elk with food.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is going to be the best place to see Elk.
What Trails Can I See Elk On?
One of the best places to see Elk in Glacier National Park is on Trail of the Cedars. This trail offers stunning views of the park, as well as the many Elk that call this place home.
When is the Best Time to See Elk?
The best time to see elk is at dawn or dusk. However, they can also be spotted during the day on rare occasions.
4. Rocky Mountain Goat
Mountain goats are the craziest animals as far as Glacier National Park wildlife goes. They are the most adept climbers in the park, and they are often seen at high elevations on sheer cliffs and grassy mountain slopes.
They are known for their agility and strength, and their ability to climb steep terrain, with ease. In addition to their climbing abilities, mountain goats also have a keen sense of balance, which allows them to stand on narrow ledges and walk along slippery surfaces.
Their diet consists of grasses, sedges, forbs, shrubs, and lichens. In addition to their ecological importance, these animals are also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to Glacier National Park often seek out these incredible climbers in order to get a close-up view.
Where Can Mountain Goats Be Found In Glacier National Park?
Up in the alpine meadows near Logan Pass area is one of the best places to see a Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park. In fact they’ve even been spotted from Logan Pass Visitor Center during the summer months!
What Hiking Trails Can I See Mountain Goats On?
One of the best trails to see Mountain Goats in Glacier National Park is on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail at Logan Pass. This trail offers stunning views of the hidden lake, as well as plenty of opportunities to see these animals.
When is the Best Time to See Mountain Goats?
The best time of day to see mountain goats is early morning. They are most active during this time, and can be seen grazing on the mountain side.
5. Moose
Moose are truly a spectacle in Glacier National Park. These massive animals can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and look non-aggressive, but they are known to charge when you get too close.
Moose are herbivores, feasting on plant material around the forest edge habitat. Their diet consists mostly of willow and other types of trees.
They live in forests and are most active at night. During the summer, they often swim in lakes and ponds to cool down.
Moose are a vital part of the ecosystem in Glacier National Park and seeing one in person is an unforgettable experience.
Where Can Moose Be Found In Glacier National Park?
There are several good spots to see moose in Glacier National Park. One of the best places is along Fishercap Lake.
This lake is located in the Many Glacier area of the park and is a great spot to view wildlife. The moose here are often seen grazing on the vegetation along the shoreline.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose while driving through the park! They are often seen along the roadsides in many areas of the park. So keep your eyes peeled and you just might see one.
What Hiking Trails Can I See Moose On?
If you’re really hoping to get close to a moose, then we recommend taking a hike on one of the trails in Glacier National Park.
Some of our favorites include Iceberg Lake Trail Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. These trails offer great opportunities to see moose in their natural habitat.
Often avoiding higher elevation, look for them closer to the trailheads!
When is the Best Time to See Moose?
The best time to see moose in Glacier National Park is during the early morning, or late afternoon. Moose are most active during these times and are more likely to be out grazing. So if you’re hoping to spot one, be sure to head out during these times of day.
Other Wildlife In Glacier National Park
There are plenty of other Glacier National Park wildlife that call this place home. Some other animals that you might see while visiting the park include white tailed deer, black bears, pica, snowshoe hares, beaver, lynx, mountain lions, ground squirrels, mule deer, bald eagles, and wolves. So keep your eyes peeled and you just might see one of these creatures!
Best Places To Spot More Wildlife In Glacier National Park
There are a ton of places in the park to spot more wildlife in Glacier National Park, however a few places come to mind. These include Glacier Valley, Highline Trail, Many Glacier Valley, Lower McDonald Creek, Many Glacier Campground and if your on the other side of the Canadian border, Waterton Lakes Area.
Conclusion
We hope this has helped you to spot more wildlife in your next visit to northern Montana. Remember to keep your distance from Glacier wildlife. If you do see one of these amazing animals, take a moment to enjoy the experience of seeing these amazing creatures up close.
Have you ever spotted a moose in Glacier National Park? Tell us about your experience in the comments below
