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Ten ecologically important habitats, which
support 16 rare and some threatened species,
consist of black bear dens, elk, deer,
goat and sheep seasonal ranges, wildlife
migration corridors, and waterfowl staging
and nesting areas. The 29 species of small
animals include the ground squirrel, considered
the grizzly bear's most reliable prey,
the marmot, living at 6800 to 8000 metre
elevations, porcupine, beaver, and rock
rabbits (Pika) that are often seen on
rock slides and talus slopes. In the deer
family are the hoofed animals whose antlers
fall off and re-grow each year: moose
about the size of horses can be seen along
the Icefields Parkway; the Wapiti (Elk),
the most dangerous animal in the park,
the white-tailed deer, and the woodland
caribou are all given appropriate protection.
The Bighorn rams have massive, permanently
spiraled horns, while the all-white mountain
goats have short black spikes. Both migrate
easily between low grassy slopes and alpine
meadows, although the goats prefer a more
rugged terrain. Sadly, the wood bison
no longer inhabit the park, but plains
bison may be viewed in the `Bison Paddock'.
Wolverines, pine martens, ermine, the
long-tailed weasel, and the fisher can
all be seen in forested areas. Wolf, coyote,
lynx and cougar, Canada's largest cat,
are all rarely sighted and their populations
are carefully monitored. Bears that become
used to humans are still a safety hazard
in spite of the instructions and information
the park provides its tourists. Grizzlies
inhabit backcountry wilderness, subalpine
forest and tundra. As part of a comprehensive
study, over 20 silvertip grizzlies have
been radio-collared. The smaller black
bears wander through valley-bottom-forested
areas.
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