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GLACIER National Park |
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 Because of the high reproductive capacity of insects and small mammals, if all their offspring survived the earth's plant life would be consumed within one year. This is prevented by natural controls such as predation and parasitism. The American kestrel ("sparrow hawk") feeds primarily on large insects and on small rodents such as the meadow vole here. |
 Gray jays are found in the deep coniferous forests of the park. In some parks gray jays, or "camp robbers," loiter about campgrounds and picnic areas begging or stealing food. In Glacier, however they are seldom noticed as they search out seeds, berries, and insects. |
 A generalized predator, the coyote will eat almost anything, from berries to carrion. When man eliminated most of the coyote's enemies and competitor, including the wolf, grizzly, and cougar, it enlarged its range to fill the void. Intelligent and social, the coyote thrives despite man's persecution. Although most numerous in the prairie community, it ranges up to timberline. |
 The spruce grouse is a year-round resident of the spruce/fir and lodgepole communities. It forages on the ground for seeds and insects, in winter turning to needles. Several other species of grouse occupy different habitats in Glacier. |
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Last Modified: Sat, Nov 4 2006 10:00:00 pm PST |