Glacier National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, is a pristine wilderness teeming with a rich diversity of wildlife, thriving amidst its rugged peaks, expansive forests, and alpine meadows. The park is a sanctuary for large mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain goats, which are often seen roaming the high country. Elk, moose, and bighorn sheep inhabit the valleys and riverbanks, while the elusive mountain lion and wolverine navigate the more remote areas. Smaller mammals like marmots, pikas, and snowshoe hares are common sights in the park’s varied habitats. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting species like the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the colorful harlequin duck. The park’s lakes and streams are home to native fish species, including the threatened bull trout.
Glacier National Park’s diverse ecosystems provide critical habitats for its wildlife, offering visitors a chance to witness the beauty and complexity of nature in one of North America’s most stunning and ecologically rich landscapes. Keep reading to see featured photos of Glacier’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured Glacier National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional grade camera equipment, but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment 58mm Tele Lens for an improved zoom and be sure you have a compatible phone case to mount your new lens in. Since cell phones don’t have the same zoom distance and quality as traditional professional cameras, be extra mindful about your distance from wildlife when photographing them and don’t get too close. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Glacier Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about Glacier National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Guide to Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks (Nature Guides to National Parks Series)
- Mac’s Pocket Guide: Glacier National Park, Birds & Mammals
- Mac’s Pocket Guide: Glacier National Park, Trees & Flowers
- Mountain Goats of Glacier National Park
- Bears I Have Known: A Park Ranger’s True Tales from Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks
- Glacier is for the Birds: A Trail Guide to the Birds of Glacier National Park
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Eastern & Central North America, Seventh Ed. (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
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Glacier National Park Species List
The wildlife at Glacier National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Glacier National Park:
Glacier National Park Mammals
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park Birds
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park Reptiles
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park Amphibians
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park Fish
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Glacier National Park.
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present or probably present in Glacier National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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