Wildlife:
Montana Made

Within our regional boundaries, we have more than 22,000 square miles, thousands of waterfalls, lakes and streams, not to mention numerous wilderness areas and Glacier National Park—one of the most intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states. Living within this terrain are numerous species of wildlife, including grizzly bear, black bear, bison, whitetail deer, mountain goat, elk, moose, wolves and eagles. Read more about wildlife in Glacier National Park.

Mountain Goat high up on a cliff.

When viewing wildlife in Montana, remember to keep them wild. Please don't feed them and always view from a safe distance.

Montana Wildlife, Mammals, Fish and Critters

Montana is for the birds. And they sure are pretty. Check out our birding page for more.

Larger wildlife that make their home here include grizzly bears, lynx, black bears, moose, wolverines, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, coyotes and wolves. The region is also home to badgers, beavers, otters, porcupines, mink, bats and more. For more on Montana's wild things, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Our streams, river and lakes are home to a variety of fish, including bull trout (practice catch and release as they are a threatened species), lake trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, whitefish, bass, pike and more. For more, check out our information on fishing in Glacier Country or Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Western Montana is also home to a variety of insects, including centipedes, millipedes, beetles, spiders, moths and more. During late summer, grizzly bears feast on moths living under loose rocks on steep mountainsides. Read the National Park Service's entry on insects, spiders, centipedes, millipedes for more information on this complex habitat in Glacier National Park.

Recreating in Bear Country

It's important to remember that many types of wildlife call Western Montana home. Many grizzly and black bears travel the forests, trails and terrain of Glacier Country. The grizzly bear is identified by a distinctive hump on its shoulders. Typically its coat is dark brown, but can vary from very light cream to black. Grizzlies reach weights of between 400 and 1,500 pounds and can stand up to eight feet tall on their hind legs. They also move very quickly and can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

When recreating in bear country, it's important to follow and practice certain rules and guidelines.

  • Maintain a clean campsite. Don't use scented body lotions, lip gloss, etc. in your campsite. Be sure to store food in a bear-proof canister or hang it between trees at a height unreachable to bears.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Most bears prefer to avoid people. When hiking, be sure to make noise so bear and other wildlife know you are coming. Helpful sounds include loud clapping, whistles, singings, etc.
  • Hike with a friend.
  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • If you see a decomposing carcass or smell a strong odor, be sure to give a wide berth to the area, as bears are attracted to these smells.
  • Bears are typically more active at dawn and dusk. When planning your hike, time it so you are hiking during daylight hours.
  • Never enter a closed trail.
  • Camp in designated camping areas.
  • Be sure to pack out all garbage.
  • If you encounter a bear, do not run and do not make eye contact. Attempt to make yourself less threatening. If a bear charges, drop to the ground belly first, cover your head with your arms, hands interlaced behind your neck and play dead.
  • Remember that bears will fiercely defend their cubs. Don't come between a cub and a sow.

Read more about bear safety.

Additional Links & Resources