Last updated: July 17, 2024
Thing to Do
Mountain Lions
NPS photo
(Puma concolor)
The mountain lion, also known as the cougar, is one of the two largest cat species in North America and is a top predator native to Glacier. The subspecies in Glacier is the North American cougar (P.c. couguar). The size of Glacier's mountain lion population is unknown, but they are one of the most skilled and elusive predators in the Rocky Mountains.
If a mountain lion is nearby, visitors should stay in a group, carry small children, and make noise. Do not run. Stand up, face the lion, and try to appear larger by raising or waving your hands. Back away slowly. If attacked, fight back and use bear spray.
The mountain lion, also known as the cougar, is one of the two largest cat species in North America and is a top predator native to Glacier. The subspecies in Glacier is the North American cougar (P.c. couguar). The size of Glacier's mountain lion population is unknown, but they are one of the most skilled and elusive predators in the Rocky Mountains.
If a mountain lion is nearby, visitors should stay in a group, carry small children, and make noise. Do not run. Stand up, face the lion, and try to appear larger by raising or waving your hands. Back away slowly. If attacked, fight back and use bear spray.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Rarely seen
Mountain lions are seldom seen but could be anywhere in the park. They prefer terrain such as rocky breaks and forested areas that provide cover for hunting prey and escape from competitors such as wolves and bears.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
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.
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.