Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Before you go into the backcountry, brush up on your bear identification. You can't tell
what kind of bear you see by its color alone. Grizzlies are often larger and have a trademark
hump at the top of their neck. Grizzlies have more of a dish-shaped face profile, compared
to a straighter profile of black bears.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Although bears get the majority of the press, there are other animals that you need to be
aware of when traveling around Montana and Wyoming. Moose are huge animals that are
prone to sudden charges when surprised, especially females traveling with young. If you
travel through Yellowstone National Park, you'll encounter numerous bison, large animals
with sharp horns. Although it may be tempting to walk up to them, avoid doing so. While
they are not vicious, bison can charge if provoked and have maimed and even killed visit-
ors in the past. Statistically, bison injure more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.
Be aware that these lumbering beasts can sprint the length of a football field in six seconds
and can leap a six-foot fence. Likewise, elk in the park can seem downright docile, but it's
important to remember not to approach them.
Mountain lions generally keep a low profile, but as humans encroach on their habitat,
encounters are becoming more frequent in the West. Most attacks have been on unattended
children, and they rarely target adults. If you happen to find yourself in a situation with a
mountain lion, be aggressive and fight back if necessary, or throw rocks and sticks to try to
make it go away.
Rattlesnakes can be found in the central and eastern parts of Montana and Wyoming,
especially in the drier prairies. Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal (less than 4 percent when
antivenin is used in time), and the snakes generally avoid humans. Be careful where you
step when hiking around these areas, and pay attention if children are with you. If you sur-
prise or step on a rattlesnake—chances are you'll hear its trademark rattle before you do—it
may coil and strike. Any bite from a rattlesnake should be regarded as a life-threatening
medical emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment by trained professionals.
With all of the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities around Montana and Wyoming,
it can be easy for some people to get complacent when taking pictures or hiking around.
Treat all wildlife with respect and care, and never feed or approach any type of wild animal.
If you are lucky enough to see many of these critters, observe them in their natural habitat
and then carry on. The last thing you want is to become a statistic.
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