Biking For Bears
May 19, 2012
Instructor: Steve Wirt, B.S.
During this course we will discuss the emerging components of the ecosystem in spring and the techniques for viewing and observing wildlife. We will watch for black and grizzly bears while cycling along the Going to the Sun Road and learn about their springtime behaviors as they emerge from hibernation. We’ll also examine the spring plant and animal life that support bears and other wildlife in the McDonald Creek Valley.
Meeting Time: Saturday, May 19th at 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Avalanche Lake Trailhead Parking Area. Enter Glacier Park through the west entrance then take a right onto the Going to the Sun Road. Pass the sign for Lake McDonald Lodge and continue approximately 5.5 miles to the parking area on the left.
Food: Please bring a sack lunch, snacks, and at least two quarts of water.
Equipment: Please see basic gear list. In addition, bring your bicycle, helmet and a tire patch kit and pump if you have one (just in case). The most important equipment during May in Glacier is good raingear! We will spend the majority of our time scoping for wildlife, so binoculars are also crucial. If you have a tripod-mounted spotting scope, it will enhance your ability to see any wildlife we spot. If you like to sit while scoping, please bring a small folding chair or stool that can be strapped onto your bicycle.
Physical Requirements: Moderate biking (six to ten miles round trip) along the Going to the Sun Road, up a very gradual slope, stopping often to identify vegetation and to scope for wildlife.
Transportation: Students must provide their own bicycles.
Weather: This course will not be canceled due to weather.
Recommended Reading:
Track of the Grizzly, Frank C. Craighead, Jr., Sierra Club Publishers
The Grizzly, Enos A. Mills, Comstock Editions, Inc.
The Grizzly Bear, William H. Wright
A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold, Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford
Tentative Itinerary: We will begin with a brief introduction. From there we will take off for our bicycle journey and exploration of bear habitat and the spring season. We should return to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead to conclude the course between 4 and 5PM.
Academic Credit: This course may be taken for eight Office of Public Instruction (OPI) renewal units (for teacher’s license renewal). If you wish to take an Institute course for OPI credit, you will be asked to fill out paperwork and pay a $20 credit fee at the start of your course, payable to Flathead Valley Community College.
* Please print out your course packet under product files.