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Want to See Moose in Glacier National Park? Here’s How!
Glacier National Park is in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Among its many inhabitants, the moose stands out as a majestic and intriguing species. As the largest member of the deer family in the United States, you’d think moose in Glacier NP would be easy to spot, but these lucrative creatures have a way of blending into their surroundings.
Glacier National Park is known for its epic wildlife, including the grizzly bear, mountain goats, big horn sheep, and the black bear. However, after experiencing both cow moose and bull moose up close, I realized that they are some of the most fascinating and intimidating wildlife that Glacier National Park has to offer.
This guide explores everything you need to know about moose in Glacier National Park, from their physical characteristics and habitat to their behavior and how to observe them safely.
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Picture this: you’ve been in the backcountry of Glacier National Park for two nights, and you’ve just experienced one of the best sunrises of your life. You’re ready to hit the trail because you’ve got a ten-mile day of backpacking ahead of you, and not 0.25 miles into the trail, you’re stopped dead in your tracks. Straddling the trail is a cow moose(female moose) leisurely eating plants, ears flicking back and forth with no intentions of moving.
You’re waiting and waiting. There is nowhere for you to go, and the moose isn’t moving.
After twenty minutes of your standstill, she finally moves off the trail, and you can continue.
Another 0.25-mile passes, and you hear rustling off to your right. Fear overtakes you as you see a giant brown hump in the bushes. Thinking it is a giant grizzly bear, you get your bear spray ready, only to see a giant rack of antlers rise up on a large bull moose.
You make haste, and before long, you’ve left two moose behind you, a little too close for comfort.
This close encounter was terrifying and magnificent at the same time. Here’s everything I know about moose and where to spot them in Glacier.
Quick Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park
Use these tools to plan your trip to Glacier National Park.
- Flights: Catch your affordable flight to Glacier here! The closest airport to Glacier National Park is Glacier Park International Airport(FCA) or Missoula Airport.
- Rental Car: To get around Glacier National Park, you will want to rent a car!
- Hotels: Find deals on Hotels in West Glacier and Whitefish here!
- Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance for peace of mind!
- Main Seasons for Visiting: The best months for visiting Glacier are August and September.
About the Moose in Glacier
Moose are typically(and incorrectly) considered the gentle giants of the ungulate clade. Before I share the best places to spot these creatures in Glacier National Park, let’s get to know them first.
Physical Characteristics
Moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family (Cervidae) and are known for their impressive size and unique appearance. The key physical features of this species of mammal include:
–Antlers: Male moose, or bulls, have broad, palmate antlers that can span up to six feet. These antlers are shed and regrown annually.
– Body Size: Moose are large animals, with males standing about 5 to 7 feet at the shoulder and weighing between 800 to 1,500 pounds. Females, or cows, are generally smaller.
– Coloration: Their fur is typically dark brown or black, with a lighter, creamy-colored “bell” or dewlap under the throat.
– Long Legs: Their long legs are adapted for wading through deep snow and aquatic vegetation.
Habitat
Moose are typically found in areas with abundant water sources, as they are excellent swimmers and rely on aquatic vegetation for a significant portion of their diet. In Glacier National Park, moose prefer:
– Wetlands and Marshes: These areas provide essential food sources such as aquatic plants. Moose are good swimmers, so check near water for them.
– Forested Areas: Moose are often found in dense, mixed coniferous forests where they can find both shelter and browsing opportunities.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Moose are herbivores with a diet that varies by season:
– Summer Months and Early Fall: They feed primarily on aquatic plants, such as water lilies and pondweed. They may also graze on shrubs and young trees.
– Winter Months: Their diet shifts to twigs, bark, and branches of shrubs and trees like aspen, willow, and birch.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
If you are visiting Glacier National park in September and October, be especially cautious around Moose. Bull moose can become aggressive during their rut.
If you are visiting Glacier National Park in late spring and early summer, be cautious of protective Cow Moose around their calves. Never approach a moose, but especially never approach a Cow with her calves.
– Breeding Season: The moose rut, or mating season, occurs in the fall (September to October). Males compete for females with displays of their antlers and vocalizations.
– Gestation: After mating, females have a gestation period of about 8 months, giving birth in late May to early June.
– Calves: Newborn moose calves are highly vulnerable. They are typically born in secluded areas and stay close to their mothers for protection and nourishment.
Winter Adaptations
Moose are well adapted to cold conditions. Their thick fur insulates them against the harsh winter weather, and they can often be seen wading through snow in search of food.
When to See Moose in Glacier National Park
Moose are some of the most iconic and sought-after wildlife viewing in Glacier National Park. Their impressive size and distinctive appearance make them a favorite among park visitors, but spotting these elusive giants requires a bit of patience and knowledge.
When you get to the park, consider speaking to a park ranger at a visitor center for the most up-to-date sightings! If any moose are hanging around a certain area, they can let you know.
The best time to see moose in Glacier include dusk and dawn, Spring and Early Summer, and Late Fall. Seeing moose outside of these times is not impossible, but it is more challenging.
Early Morning and Late Evening
Moose are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. These are the best times to spot moose as they are often foraging for food along the edges of forests and in wetlands. These times of day offer the best opportunities to see moose in Glacier country.
Early Morning: Just after sunrise, moose can be seen grazing in meadows or feeding near lakes and streams. The cool temperatures and quiet surroundings make this a prime time for moose activity.
Late Evening: As the sun begins to set, moose may emerge from the forest to feed again. The low light can make it challenging to spot them, so keep an eye out for their large, dark shapes moving through the landscape!
Spring and Early Summer
Spring and early summer are excellent seasons to see moose in Glacier National Park. During this time, moose are often found near water sources, feeding on the lush vegetation that emerges after winter.
–Calving Season: In late May to early June, female moose (cows) give birth to calves. This is a special time to observe moose families, but it’s important to keep a respectful distance, as mothers can be very protective.
– New Growth: The abundance of new plant growth in spring and early summer attracts moose to areas with rich vegetation, making them more visible in open areas.
Fall
The fall season, particularly September and October, is another prime time to spot moose. This is the mating season, known as the “rut”, when males (bulls) are more active and visible.
– Rut Season: During the rut, bulls can often be seen displaying their impressive antlers and engaging in sparring matches with other males. This behavior makes them more conspicuous and easier to spot in their habitats. However, this does make them more dangerous. Keep your distance.
– Changing Habits: As temperatures cool and the first snows begin to fall, moose may move to lower elevations in search of food, bringing them closer to trails and roads where they can be more easily observed.
Where to See Moose in Glacier National Park
There are some specific areas in Glacier National Park where you can spot moose!
While there are moose in Glacier National Park, moose have a more specific natural habitat. If you stop in some of these areas, there is a fairly good chance of spotting them in these areas. Be sure to pay close attention to the popular places for moose sightings! You’d be surprised at how easy it is for moose to blend into the diverse terrain.
Many Glacier Area
The Many Glacier area is one of the best spots in Glacier National Park to see moose. It is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife; this region offers several prime locations:
– Swiftcurrent Lake and Creek: Moose are frequently seen near Swiftcurrent Lake and along Swiftcurrent Creek, especially in the early morning and late evening. The wetland areas around the lake provide an ideal habitat for moose to feed on aquatic vegetation ont he Swiftcurrent nature trail.
– Fishercap Lake: Just a short hike from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Fishercap Lake is a well-known moose-viewing spot. Moose often wade into the lake to feed, offering visitors excellent photo opportunities.
– Lake Josephine: Another nearby lake, Lake Josephine, is surrounded by dense forest and marshy areas, making it a good spot to see moose.
– Iceberg Lake: this moderately challenging trail is a popular spot for local moose. Be sure to hike in the morning or evening to spot moose on this trail.
Sometimes, you can even see moose from the Many Glacier Hotel!
Tw0 Medicine Lake
The Two Medicine area, located in the southeastern part of the park, is another great place to observe moose. The combination of lakes, wetlands, and forests creates a perfect environment for these animals.
– Two Medicine Lake: Moose are often spotted along the shores of Two Medicine Lake, especially early in the morning. The calm waters and quiet surroundings make this a peaceful spot for wildlife viewing.
– Lower Two Medicine Lake: This area, slightly less visited than the main lake, also provides good opportunities for spotting moose, particularly around the marshy edges of the lake.
– No Name Lake: A short hike in the Two Medicine Lake area, moose frequent this quiet area.
St. Mary Valley
St. Mary Valley, located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park past Logan Pass on Going to the Sun Road, offers a diverse landscape that attracts moose throughout the year.
– St. Mary Lake: Moose are occasionally seen near the eastern end of St. Mary Lake, particularly around the inlets and marshy areas where they can find food and water.
– Red Eagle Lake Trail: The trail to Red Eagle Lake passes through moose habitat, with chances to spot them near the lake or along the creek. Early morning hikes are your best bet for seeing moose in this area.
– Baring Falls and St. Mary Falls: These popular waterfall hikes also pass through moose territory. Look for moose in the forested areas and near the waterways, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
General Areas
Moose can be found in a variety of locations, but there are two specific habitats that moose prefer: Wetlands and Meadows.
– Wetlands and Marshes: Moose are drawn to wetlands and marshes, where they can feed on aquatic plants. Look for them in areas with abundant water and vegetation.
– Forest Edges and Meadows: Moose often graze along the edges of forests and in open meadows, where they can find a mix of food sources. These areas also provide cover, especially near the tree line, making them a common spot for moose to rest and feed.
There have been reports of moose sightings throughout Glacier Park at Bullhead Lake, the Waterton Lakes, and Lake McDonald, but it is not as common or as easy to see them since the moose populations are smaller in these areas.
What to Do When You Encounter a Moose on a Trail
@explorenborgen Moose in Glacier National Park #wildlife #glaciernationalpark ♬ Sweet Rose - Lincoln Swanzy
Encountering a moose on a trail in Glacier National Park can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to handle such situations with caution and respect. Moose are large and powerful animals that can become defensive if they feel threatened. Here’s how to ensure a safe and respectful encounter:
- Assess the Situation
If you see a moose from a distance, observe it without approaching. Moose can be unpredictable, and it’s best to keep a safe distance to avoid startling or agitating the animal. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a closer look if desired.
- Determine the Moose’s Behavior
Pay attention to the moose’s body language. Signs that a moose may be agitated include:
- Flattened Ears: The moose may pin its large ears back against its head.
- Tail Flicking: Rapid tail flicking can indicate irritation.
- Lunging or Snorting: This is a sign of aggression if it feels threatened.
- Keep a Safe Distance
If you’re on the trail and come across a moose, maintain at least 100 yards (300 feet) of distance. Do not attempt to get closer or approach the moose for photographs or a better view.
- Avoid Getting Between the Moose and Its Path
Ensure that you are not blocking the moose’s path or getting between it and its destination. Moose need to feel they have an escape route if they are feeling cornered or threatened.
- Make Your Presence Known
If you need to pass by the moose, make your presence known calmly and from a distance. You can use your voice to softly speak or call out to the moose. Avoid shouting or sudden movements, which might startle the animal.
- Move Slowly and Steadily
When it’s safe to proceed, move slowly and steadily. Quick movements or running can provoke the moose. Keep an eye on the moose and be prepared to stop if it shows any signs of agitation.
- Do Not Approach or Attempt to Interact
Never attempt to feed or pet a moose. This can lead to aggressive behavior and is harmful to the animal. Moose are wild animals and should be treated with respect and distance.
- Avoid Aggressive Behavior
Do not make any aggressive gestures or attempt to get closer to the moose if the moose seems unsettled or begins to move towards you, back away slowly and give it more space.
- Plan Your Escape Route
If you encounter a moose that seems aggressive or is blocking the trail, be prepared to retreat to a safe location. Identify an alternate route or safe spot where you can wait until the moose moves away.
- Wait Patiently
If the moose does not move, be patient and wait. Moose often move on their own after a short period of time. Ensure you are in a safe position and do not approach the moose.
Encountering a moose on the trail can be a memorable and thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and respect for the animal. By maintaining a safe distance, communicating calmly, and avoiding any aggressive behavior, you contribute to a safe and positive experience for both yourself and the moose. Remember, a respectful approach ensures that you and the wildlife of Glacier National Park can coexist peacefully.
Moose Photography & Wildlife Viewing Gear
Now that you know EVERYTHING about Moose in Glacier National Park, here are some tips & gear recommendations for viewing and photographing these amazing creatures.
Research and Plan Your Trip
Have a list of areas where you want to spot these creatures! Wildlife viewing is a test of patience, but in areas like Glacier National Park, it is likely that much of your wildlife spotting will happen because of slowed-down cars on the side of the road.
- Know the Habitat: Moose can be found in boreal forests, wetlands, and mountain regions. You will have a better chance of spotting moose if you stick to these areas.
- Seasonal Considerations: Autumn & Spring are prime times for sightings because of rutting season and calves. Winter can also provide beautiful snowy backdrops, but moose tend to go further into the mountains during that time of year.
- Time of Day: Early morning & late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions and have increased moose activity!
- Weather Conditions & Photography: Overcast days can create soft, diffused light that enhances a moose’s natural colors that can oftentimes be camouflaged.
Camera Settings for Moose Photography
Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, especially if the moose is moving. A speed of 1/500 sec or faster is ideal.
Aperture: A wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/5.6) will help create a shallow depth of field, making the moose stand out from the background.
ISO: Adjust the ISO based on lighting conditions. In low light, increase the ISO to avoid blurry images, but be cautious of noise.
Essential Wildlife Viewing Gear
Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) will help you spot moose from a distance.
Sturdy Tripod: Invest in a stable tripod to keep your camera steady, especially for low-light conditions or longer exposures.
Clothing: Dress in layers and choose neutral, non-reflective colors to blend into the environment. Waterproof gear is essential for unpredictable weather.
Backpack: Use a comfortable, gear backpack to carry your camera gear, water, snacks, and any additional equipment.
Pack It Up
Encountering a moose in Glacier National Park is one of the most captivating wildlife experiences you can have. These giant animals, with their towering frames and unique antlers, are a symbol of the park’s rich wilderness. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor to the park, spotting one of these animals is a sight to behold.
To make the most out of your moose-spotting adventure, timing is everything. Early mornings and late evenings, especially in the spring and fall, offer the best chances of seeing moose. The Many Glacier area, with its serene lakes and abundant vegetation, is a moose hot spot. Two Medicine region and St. Mary Valley are the second and third best places for moose sightings.
Understanding moose behavior is crucial for your safety. These animals, while seemingly placid, can be unpredictable if they feel threatened, especially during the rutting season or when female moose are protecting their calves. Knowing how to read their body language and keeping a distance of at least 100 yards ensures both your safety and the well-being of the moose.
Glacier National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife. The moose is one of the more elusive wild animals in the park, except for mountain lions. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready!
Looking for Glacier’s wildlife is one of my favorite things to do in the park.
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
