Waterton-Glacier Guide

Park News National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Visitor Guide The official newspaper of Glacier National Park Fall, Winter, and Spring 2016/2017 Fall, Winter, and Spring NPS / BILL HAYDEN AND JACOB FRANK Visiting in the “Off Season” Visitor services are limited from October through late spring, but there are still many opportunities to explore the park. SCENIC DRIVES CAMPING There are many opportunities for exploring the park in your vehicle, both along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and in other locations of the park. The upper portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road usually remains open through the third weekend in October. Vehicle access to the Lake McDonald Lodge area is generally available all winter. The road beyond there is open for skiing and snowshoeing once adequate snowfall has occurred. Some campgrounds remain open, in primitive status (no water), into October. November through March the Apgar and St. Mary Campgrounds will be open for winter primitive camping. At times in the fall and spring there will be no vehicle access to the St. Mary Campground and it will be available for walk-in camping only. The roads to Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the North Fork also provide opportunities to see wildlife and fall color, weather permitting. FOOD AND LODGING Accommodations and restaurants inside the park will be closed for the season, but are available in surrounding communities. Middle Fork of the Flathead River NPS / BILL HAYDEN • MANY GLACIER • TWO MEDICINE • NORTH FORK In the fall and spring, the northeast corner of the park provides access to spectacular wildlife habitat. Watch along the sides of the road for elk, deer, and moose on the drive in. Once you reach the parking area at the end of the road, scan the hillsides for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bear. Several trails lead to some of the best day hikes in the park. Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier are highlights. During the winter, access is by ski or snowshoe only. The southeast corner of the park is a quiet retreat in fall and spring. Uncrowded trails abound along the lakes and up the mountainsides. The Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail is a highlight and the falls (formerly known as Trick Falls) look completely different in the fall than they do in the spring. The drive to Two Medicine is bordered by some of the best aspen stands in the area and are great locations to look for warblers and other birds. The dirt roads in this area of the park are narrow and dusty and lead to a more secluded section of the park. A mosaic of burned and unburned landscapes offers a variety of habitats for wildlife, and visitors are sometimes rewarded with the sounds, and an occasional sighting, of wolves. Moose, elk, deer, and bear also find refuge in this quiet corner of Glacier. Drive slowly and be prepared to pull over to allow for oncoming vehicles to pass. Whereever you drive in the park, please obey all traffic regulations. Use the pullouts provided to allow for other traffic to pass, and please never feed or approach wildlife. Have a safe and enjoyable visit. Construction Activities • ST. MARY ENTRANCE STATION From September 19, 2016 to October 17, 2016 vehicles will not be permitted in the area of the St. Mary Entrance Station kiosks. Traffic will be routed through the visitor center parking area and fee collection will take place at the visitor center. On Monday, October 17, 2016, the Goingto-the-Sun Road will be closed to vehicular traffic, just past the park entrance sign. Hikers, bikers, and skiers will be able to • AVALANCHE CREEK FOOTBRIDGE access the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road using a newly reconstructed pathway from the town of St. Mary to the St. Mary Visitor Center. During construction activities in the fall and spring there will be no vehicle access to the St. Mary Campground. In mid-winter, when construction is temporarily halted due to weather, vehicle access may resume for winter camping at the St. Mary. Beginning in early September a portion of the Trail of the Cedars, on the south side of the creek, will be closed to begin work on a new footbridge. After the campground closes, vehicle access into the campground will be closed to all traffic to accommodate construction vehicles. Hiking access to Avalanche Lake, via the trail north of the creek, should remain open during this time. Follow Us Online facebook.com/GlacierNPS twitter.com/GlacierNPS instagram.com/GlacierNPS Pages 2 & 3 Winter in Glacier Pages 4 & 5 Visiting in the Spring Pages 6 & 7 Wildlife Safety Glacier’s long cold winter can be a harsh time of the year for park wildlife, but it can also be a wonderful time to visit. The entire park takes on a different character. A quiet snowshoe walk or an invigorating cross country ski can reveal a side of the park not often seen by most park visitors. Special precautions are needed, however, to safely enjoy a winter visit. Glacier’s brief springtime is characterized by Pacific weather systems, which bring rain to the valleys and heavy snows to the high country well into summer. Visiting at this time of year brings special challenges and amazing rewards. Pages four and five highlight information you will need to get the most out of a visit this time of the year. Glacier is at the core of one of the largest intact ecosystems in the country, providing large undisturbed areas vital for wildlife. Bears are just one of the things that makes Glacier a truly special place. Read the information contained in this guide so that you can visit safely and help us protect these magnificent creatures. youtube.com/GlacierNPS flickr.com/GlacierNPS St. Mary Lake NPS / JACOB W. FRANK Fall and Winter Visitor Information Visitor Center Hours Headquarters Building - West Glacier • Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed lunchtime and holidays) Apgar Visitor Center • September 6 to October 10 Daily................................. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm • October 11 to mid-May 2017 Saturday and Sunday..... 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed weekdays and holidays) Logan Pass Visitor Center • September 6 to September 30 Daily................................. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm St. Mary Visitor Center • August 15 to October 2 Daily................................. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Entrance Fees 7 Day Single Vehicle Pass...................................................................................................... $30.00 7 Day Single Vehicle Pass (November 1 to April 30)......................................................... $20.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by foot or bicycle..................................................................... $15.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by foot or bicycle (November 1 to April 30)........................ $10.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by motorcycle.......................................................................... $25.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by motorcycle (November 1 to April 30).............................. $15.00 Glacier National Park Annual Pass through December 31.............................................. $45.00 Glacier National Park Annual Pass starting January 1...................................................... $50.00 The Federal Interagency Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10), Access Pass (free), and Active Military Pass (free) are available at Park Headquarters and the West Entrance Station (when staffed). Special fees are charged for commercial tour vehicles. Weather Weather in Glacier National Park is unpredictable. Fall days can be very nice, but the possibility of snow and rain is always present. Daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s are common. Expect numerous overcast or snowy days, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. Winter daytime temperatures average in the 20s and 30s, but may drop well below zero (0�F). Strong winds are typical on the east side of the park. Wind greatly accentuates the effects of temperature. This chill factor increases the danger of hypothermia and frostbite. Be prepared with proper winter clothing. Snow depths vary, with 2–3 feet common at lower elevations and 1–15 feet in the high country. White-tailed deer Activities Off-Season Camping NPS / BILL HAYDEN Winter Recreation FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPING BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Although campgrounds are limited during this time of year, self-reliant visitors find a wondrous and peaceful setting in Glacier National Park. Winter camping is allowed in the Apgar Picnic Area until the Apgar Campground reopens in early May. Between November 1 and March 31, there is no fee for winter camping. No drinking water is available. Instructions for registering your campsite are found on the bulletin board located at the entrance to the campground. There you will also find information on food storage regulations, water, firewood, and wildlife. Mountain lion sightings have increased in the last few years, and bears may be seen at any time of the year. Read and follow all wildlife precautions. A permit is required for all overnight trips in the park’s backcountry. From November 20th to May 1st, special backcountry camping regulations are in effect. It is best to call ahead at the main Park Headquarters number at 406-888-7800 to arrange for a permit. You may also obtain permits in person at: • APGAR BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT CENTER Weekdays......................8:00am to 4:30pm* (closed lunchtime and holidays) *December through mid-January the Apgar Permit Center is closed. Permits may be obtained at Park Headquarters. • APGAR VISITOR CENTER Weekends...................... 9:00am to 4:30pm SKIING • Permits may be obtained up to 7 days in advance of your trip. • Party size is limited to 12 people with a two night limit for any one campsite. • Wood fires are prohibited in all backcountry areas because dead and down fuel is covered by snow. Selfcontained camp stoves are recommended. • Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of roads, trail corridors, creeks, lakes, or on vegetation emerging from snow cover. • Use pit toilets where available. Otherwise, human waste should be disposed of at least 200 yards from lakes, streams, trails, roads, or developed areas. Do not leave or burn garbage (including toilet paper) in the backcountry. Pack it out! Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to enjoy Glacier National Park. Ski trails and routes throughout the park provide a range of scenery, terrain, and difficulty. For detailed information on routes and winter safety, pick up the Skiing and Snowshoeing brochure at Park Headquarters, Apgar Visitor Center, or ranger stations. It is also available online at https://www.nps.gov/ glac/planyourvisit/crosscountryskiing.htm MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Winter weather conditions make climbing very challenging. With the inherent dangers of snow and ice-covered slopes, avalanche danger increases. Register all climbs with a ranger and ask for the latest information. SNOWSHOEING Snowshoeing provides another means of getting off the beaten path. Routes detailed in the Skiing and Snowshoeing brochure are available to snowshoers as well. However, as a courtesy to skiers, snowshoers should maintain a separate track where possible. Guided snowshoe and ski trips in Glacier may be available from private guide services located outside the park. Crosscountry skis and snowshoes may be rented in many of the neighboring communities. Ranger-led snowshoe trips are also available on winter weekends. See the article on page 3 for details. Winter camping at Apgar NPS / JACOB W. FRANK 2 Bridge over Upper McDonald Creek NPS / JACOB W. FRANK Have You Ever Snowshoed? Join Us! Explore Glacier National Park on a twohour ranger-led snowshoe walk and take an intimate look at the park in winter. Search for signs of wildlife, discover the plants and animals of the park, and enjoy the solitude of winter during this unique winter experience. and bringing water and snacks. Use your own snowshoes or rent snowshoes for a nominal fee at the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoe rentals are also available in neighboring communities. Meet at the Apgar Visitor Center every Saturday or Sunday, at 10:30 am & 2:00 pm, Rangers offer snowshoe walks on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter. Participants should be prepared for a variety of winter conditions by wearing appropriate clothing, dressing in layers, from January 8 to March 19, 2017. If you have questions regarding this offering, please call 406-888-7800. Winter snowshoe hikes NPS Avalanches Avalanches are a real danger in the mountains of Glacier. Please check http:// www.flatheadavalanche.org for the latest avalanche advisory and weather discussion before entering Glacier’s backcountry. Whenever possible, avoid areas that cross through or beneath avalanche terrain. Be mindful of changing weather, terrain, and snowpack conditions and be prepared to turnaround at the first sign of instability. • Recent avalanche activity in the area • Cracking, collapsing snowpack, or whumphing sounds • Heavy snowfall or rain in the past 24 hours • Heavy wind loaded slopes • Rapidly increasing temperature • Persistent weak layers (check the avalanche advisory) If you are caught in an avalanche, ditch awkward gear and attempt to escape to the side of the slide or self-arrest on trees or rocks. If you cannot escape, make an air pocket in front of your face with one hand and reach for the surface with the other hand. Safest Route Safer Route Never RED FLAGS Potential Avalanche Path Please report any natural or human triggered avalanche activity to a park ranger. Your best chance of survival depends on you and your partners. Be prepared and practiced with your avalanche rescue equipment - probe pole, shovel, and transceiver - before heading into the mountains. Always use extreme caution in avalanche country. USGS Lake McDonald USGS Hypothermia Hypothermia, the progressive physical collapse and reduced mental capacity resulting from the chilling of the inner core of the body, can occur even at temperatures above freezing. Warning signs include uncontrolled shivering, memory lapses and incoherence, slow or slurred speech, lack of coordination, stumbling, a lurching gait, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Winter in the backcountry USGS IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Drink plenty of fluids. • Wear water-resistant clothing or clothes that wick moisture away from the body. • Minimize wind exposure. • Get victim into dry clothes, build a fire for heat, keep victim awake, and give warm non-alcoholic drinks. • In more serious cases, undress victim and yourself, and get into sleeping bag making skin-to-skin contact. • Seek professional help immediately. 3 Female Bufflehead and ducklings NPS /ANDREW ENGLEHORN Spring Visitor Information Entrance Fees 7 Day Single Vehicle Pass (November 1 to April 30)......................................................... $20.00 7 Day Single Vehicle Pass (starting May 1)......................................................................... $30.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by foot or bicycle (November 1 to April 30)........................ $10.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by foot or bicycle (starting May 1)........................................ $15.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by motorcycle (November 1 to April 30).............................. $15.00 7 Day Single Person Entry by motorcycle (starting May 1).............................................. $25.00 Glacier National Park Annual Pass..................................................................................... $50.00 The Federal Interagency Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10), Access Pass (free), and Active Military Pass (free) are available at Park Headquarters and the West Entrance Station (when staffed). Special fees are charged for commercial tour vehicles. Visitor Center Hours Headquarters Building - West Glacier Monday–Friday................. 8:00am to 4:30pm (closed lunchtime and holidays) Apgar Visitor Center • October 11 to mid-May 2017 Saturday and Sunday..... 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed weekdays and holidays) • Starting in mid-May the visitor center will be open 7 days per week. Weather Be careful! Spring creeks run full. BILL HAYDEN Spring weather in Glacier National Park is unpredictable. Expect numerous overcast days with the occasional snow storm. While daytime temperatures average in the 40s and 50s, it may drop well below freezing, especially at night. Strong winds are always typical on the east side of the park. Rain is common. Wet clothes and wind greatly accentuate the effects of temperature. This chill factor increases the danger of hypothermia. Be prepared with proper clothing. Snow may remain in the high country well into summer and in shaded areas of the valleys, as well. Winter conditions often remain in the park long after springtime arrives elsewhere. Spring Activities Spring Camping Bicycling Bicycles are allowed on roadways, bike routes, and in parking areas. They are not allowed on trails. Observe all traffic regulations. Keep to the right side of the road and ride in single file. Pull over if four or more vehicles stack up behind you. During periods of low visibility, a white light, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet (152 m) to the front, and a red light or reflector, visible from at least 200 feet (61 m) to the rear, are required. Attach a bright flag on a pole and wear light-colored clothing. The more visible you are, the safer you will be! Watch for falling rocks, drainage grates and culverts, wildlife, and ice on roads. Once plowing of the Goingto-the-Sun Road begins, lower sections of the road may be opened to bicycle traffic before they are opened to vehicles. Check at Park Headquarters or a visitor center for current road status. FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPING Most campgrounds in Glacier open in late May and June. The Apgar Campground opens in early May. Until open for the season, primitive camping is permitted at the Apgar Picnic area and St. Mary Campground. Some additional campgrounds may allow primitive camping before the regularly scheduled opening date. Between December 1 and March 31, there is no fee for camping. After March 31, primitive camping is $10.00 per night. Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Campfires are permitted only in designated campgrounds and picnic areas where grates are provided. Collecting firewood is prohibited except along the inside North Fork Road from Dutch Creek to Kintla Lake, and along the Bowman Lake Road. Only dead and down wood may be collected in these places. Biking on the Going-to-the-Sun Road BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Scenic Drives Winter backcountry camping regulations remain in effect until May 1. After May 1, refer to the 2017 Backcountry Camping Guide, which will be available online or at visitor centers. Our reservation system for backcountry camping has changed. Applications for summer 2017 can only be made online beginning March 15, 2017 (March 1 for large groups of 9 to 12). Information on the reservation process is available online at: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ backcountry-reservations.htm. Hiking Spring is a dynamic time in Glacier with trail and snow conditions changing daily. Hiking opportunities vary from year to year depending on the winter snow pack. In the spring, the short lower elevation trails are generally the first ones that can be hiked. Plowed sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond the vehicle closures can offer scenic walks, as well. Mid-elevation trails can be snow covered into June and high elevation trails melt out as late as the end of July. Please check with the visitor centers or Park Headquarters for current conditions. NPS / BILL HAYDEN Fishing The general park fishing season is from the third Saturday in May through November 30. Lake fishing is open all year. No fee or license is required to fish within the park. Current regulations are available at a ranger station, visitor center, or Park Headquarters. White-crowned Sparrow NPS Lower portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open all year. Starting in April, additional roads start to open, as weather permits. The upper portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is generally not fully open until lateJune, however roads into Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Bowman (just north of Polebridge), as well as Camas Road, offer outstanding opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife viewing. Late season snows can cause temporary road closures. Icy roads are common, especially early in the morning. Check at visitor centers or rangers stations for local road and weather conditions. Trillium NPS / ANDREW ENGLEHORN Birding One of the bonuses available to visitors this time of year is the abundance of bird life. You may spot dozens of species migrating through and others who have newly arrived at their park nesting grounds. Westside forests, eastside meadows, higher elevation tundra, and brushy or wetland areas parkwide provide habitat for a variety of bird life. If you are interested in what has been spotted here over the years, pick up a free bird checklist from one of the park’s visitor centers or a ranger station. 4 Plowing the road is delicate and dangerous work. USGS Opening the Going-to-the-Sun Road One sure sign of spring is the annual plowing of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The first of April marks the target date for the start of plowing. Often, plowing proceeds quickly on the lower stretches of road along McDonald Creek and St. Mary Lake. However, several avalanche paths cross these sections of roadway, and in the past, crews have discovered huge amounts of snow and rock and trees piled up on the road from winter slides. Once cleared, lower stretches of the road may be opened to hikers and bikers to enjoy the Going-to-the-Sun Road without cars. As the crews plow further up the road, additional sections are opened, first as hiking and biking routes, and later to cars. The steep, upper sections of road on either side of Logan Pass provide the most challenges for the crews. This section traverses 70 avalanche paths, making the work difficult and very dangerous. Avalanche spotters constantly monitor the slopes and radio any signs of moving snow to the plow operators at once. Some days crews encounter new slides blocking their way home, as slides continue to release behind them over areas already plowed. It has been many decades since any fatalities have occurred plowing the road, but it is a constant threat. If the weather is overcast or rainy, and the spotters cannot see the slopes above the road, crews do not work. Safety of the equipment operators is of paramount concern. Park road crews always find different challenges from one year to the next as they continue up the road. A few years ago when the plows reached the area called “Big Bend,” an enormous mountain of snow covered a vast stretch of the road. Sometime earlier that winter, a series of unseen avalanches, released at the same time, created a snow drift that was upwards of 60 feet deep in places. It took almost two weeks to plow through a section of road that took less than a day the year before. The final obstacle in opening the road is the Big Drift. This windblown snowdrift, just east of Logan Pass, is usually 60-70 feet deep or more. Plumes of snow shooting up from the rotary plows make an impressive sight, as the crews nibble at the drift from both sides. After several days of exacting work, the plows reach the roadbed and the crews from both sides of the park meet. After a few more days of installing removable guard rails and final cleanup, the road can be opened for the summer season once again. Plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road can take two months or more. Road rehabilitation crews will be following closely behind the plows to accomplish much of their work, prior to the busy summer season. The entire road generally opens to traffic in late June. It is sometimes hard for people to understand the magnitude of the task the road crew undertakes or the snow conditions they encounter in the high country. The original construction of the road was a major engineering feat. Maintaining the road and opening it each spring remains a continual challenge for park crews today. Pets Keep pets on a leash. NPS / BILL HAYDEN Lake Sherburne in the Many Glacier Valley Pets are allowed in developed areas, frontcountry campsites and picnic areas, along roads, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet, under physical restraint or caged at all times, including while in open-bed pickup trucks. Pets are not to be left tied to an object when unattended. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Owners must not allow a pet to make noise that is unreasonable. Spring comes slowly to the Logan Pass Visitor Center, as this photo taken on May 15 shows. NPS NPS / ANDREW ENGLEHORN 5 Welcome to Bear Country AN ICON OF WILDERNESS Glacier is home to large numbers of both black and grizzly bears. This page presents basic information needed to ensure a safe visit for both you and our wildlife. For more detailed information, stop by any visitor center, attend a ranger-led program, or visit online at: go.nps.gov/BearCountry OVERNIGHT C AMPING Our campgrounds and developed areas can remain unattractive to bears if each visitor manages food and trash properly. Following park regulations will help keep the “wild” in wildlife and ensure your safety, as well. • Keep a clean camp. Never improperly store food, or leave food or garbage unattended. • All edibles, food containers (empty or not), and cookware (clean or not) must be stored in a vehicle, hard-sided camper, food locker, or hung when not in use, day or night. • Place all trash in designated bear-resistant garbage containers. • Inspect your campsite for bear sign and for careless campers nearby. Notify a park ranger of any potential problems. • Pets, especially dogs, must be kept under physical restraint. BEAR SPR AY This aerosol pepper spray temporarily incapacitates bears. It is an effective, non-toxic, and non-lethal means of deterring aggressive bears. Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for practicing standard safety precautions in bear country. Black bear looking for picnic scraps near the road. Bear spray is intended to be sprayed into the face of an oncoming bear. It is not intended to act as a repellent. Pre-sprayed objects may actually attract bears. Be aware that you may not be able to cross the U.S./Canada border with some brands of bear spray. Canadian Customs will allow the importation of USEPA-approved bear spray into Canada. Specifications state that the bear spray must have USEPA on the label. Safety Precautions Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If contact appears imminent and you do not have bear spray, fall to the ground on your stomach, clasp your hands around the back of your neck, and leave your pack on for protection. If the bear attempts to roll you over, try to stay on your stomach. If the attack is defensive, the bear will leave once it recognizes you are not a threat. If the attack is prolonged, FIGHT BACK! If you encounter a bear inside the minimum recommended safe distance (100 yards), you can decrease your risk by following these guidelines: • If a bear or other animal is moving in your direction on a trail, get out of its way and let it pass. • If you can move away, do so. If moving away appears to agitate the bear, stop and talk quietly to the bear. Help the bear recognize you as a friendly human and then continue to move away as the situation allows. • If a bear appears intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive manner (not showing signs of agitation), gather your group together, make noise, and try to discourage the bear from further approaching. Prepare to deploy your bear spray. If you are preparing or consuming food, secure it. DO NOT LET THE BEAR GET YOUR FOOD! • If a bear approaches in a defensive manner (appears agitated and/or charges), stop. Do not run. Talk quietly to the bear. NPS / BILL HAYDEN Hiking in groups significantly decreases your chances of having a bear encounter. If you are looking for hiking company, be sure to look at the Ranger-led Activity Schedule to see if there are any ranger-led hikes available for you to join. Trail running is highly discouraged. Carry bear spray. Bear spray is an inexpensive way to deter ROADSIDE BEARS BEAR ENCOUNTERS Hike in groups. It’s exciting to see bears up-close, but we must act responsibly to keep them wild and healthy. If you see a bear along the road, please do not stop near it. If you wish to view the bear, travel at least 100 yards and pull over in a safe location. Roadside bears quickly become habituated to traffic and people, increasing their chances of being hit by vehicles. Habituated bears may also learn to frequent campgrounds and picnic areas, where they may gain access to human food. To protect human life and property, bears that seek human food must be removed from the park. Resist the temptation to stop and get close to roadside bears – put bears first at Glacier. bear attacks and has been shown to be the most effective deterrent. Make noise. Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching. Most bells are not enough. Calling out and clapping at regular intervals are better ways to make your presence known. Secure your food and garbage. Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store, or transport food unattended. Other items to secure include: toiletries, cosmetics, and pet food. Be aware of your surroundings. Environmental factors such as wind speed and direction may prevent a bear from being aware of your presence. Look for scat or tracks. Take notice if you are hiking near an abundance of bear foods, near running water, or through thick vegetation. Never leave packs unattended. TERRY DOSSEY BLACK BEAR NPS / TIM RAINS A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR! PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD AND GARBAGE ARE STORED OUT OF REACH OF BEARS AT ALL TIMES. GRIZZLY OR BL ACK BEAR Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is home to both black and grizzly bears. Report all bear sightings or encounters to the nearest ranger or warden immediately. Size and/or color are not reliable indicators of species. Use the chart below to help you tell the species apart. Shoulder: Ears: Face: Front Claws: Black Bear No hump Taller Straight profile Dark ~ 1.5” long Grizzly Bear Hump Short and rounded Dished profile Light ~ 2-4” long Grizzly sow with cubs NPS / ANDREW ENGLEHORN Wildlife Hazards 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. 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 protecting their young. Mountain goats at the Goat Lick Mountain Lions Rodents & Hantavirus A glimpse of one of these magnificent cats would be a vacation highlight, but you need to take precautions to protect you and your children from an accidental encounter. Do not hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a lion, do not run. Talk calmly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Do not crouch and do not turn away. Lions may be scared away by being struck with r