All about wildlife watching safety
Glacier National Park
View wildlife across Glacier National Park's vast landscapes. The diversity of habitat types creates opportunities for a wide range of animals. Find more information on everything from the large and majestic elk of the prairies, to the small stonefly of glacier-fed streams on Glacier National Park's website.
Glacier provides a wonderful opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. However, when watching wildlife, it’s important to remember to stay safe. 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 — 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 threat, especially females with young and males during mating season. For most species, like moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer, visitors must maintain at least 25 yards (23 m) of distance. For wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions, a distance of at least 100 yards (91 m) must be observed. For more information on exploring Glacier National Park safely, visit our website NPS.GOV/GLAC.
Tags
Wildlife WatchingAnimalsWildernessmammal wildlifeanimalanimal identificationmarine animalswatching wildlifewildlifeWildlife in Their HabitatWildlife Viewingwildlife watchingbirding
Visitor Photos
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Details
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas. Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Pets
No
Reservations
No
Location
Various locations