Glacier National Park of Canada

Sunday, June 4, 2017

It is an overcast morning with rain predicted off and on.  We can't let a little rain slow us down.  We decided to drive to Glacier National Park of Canada which is only about 20 miles away.  
 
Every turn seemed to expose more and more glaciers. The next several pictures are taken during our drive.

 On our drive to the summit we went through 3 tunnels a short distance from each other.  This is the 3rd one we went through.

It looked like this construction was due to a large mud slide.
 

Here we have arrived at Rogers Pass which is the summit and the heart of Glacier National Park.

 We learned that cannons like this one in the picture are used for avalanche control.  They actually close the road and cause avalanches. Then clear the road of the snow.

This Stellar Jay was all around the park begging for food.  There were several people having picnic lunches.  Sure is pretty.

Just a short distance down the road was Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.  The following pictures are of animals native to this area. 

Wolverine
 

This grizzly cub was hit by a car.  Sad.
 

 Mountain Goats

These are claws of a grizzly bear.  Notice how long and curved they are.  They are designed for digging.
 

Mountain lions are even this far north. 

We watched a video on bear safety.  It was very interesting.  It talked about the difference between black bears and grizzly bears also known as brown bears.  Black bear claws are designed for climbing trees and rarely attack humans.  Grizzly are more defensive and may make defensive movements, but also rarely actually attack humans.  If you are approached by a bear DO NOT RUN.  You are supposed to hold your arms up and calmly talk to the bear as you slowly back away.  Most of the time the bear will walk away.  I'm not sure how calm I could be.
If the bear continues to approach you, then you make loud noises and act aggressive towards it.  STAND YOUR GROUND.  I'm not sure I could do that either.  Lastly, play dead!  My choice is to avoid contact with any bear.

Another blessed day!