Grizzly Bears

Conservation Challenges

Loss of Habitat

The expansion of human development in rural lands means increased habitat fragmentation. Grizzlies are confined to islands of land, inhibiting healthy biodiversity. Transportation corridors are an especially difficult wildlife problem. Bears are drawn to roads because of food sources: animal carcasses (like deer and elk) that were hit by cars. Sadly, the feeding bears are then themselves often hit and killed by cars. Glacier National Park has created underpasses to allow wildlife to safely get around the roads, but like all conservation efforts, one solution leads to new problems that must be addressed (see below).

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife viewing is a huge visitor draw in Glacier National Park, and the wildlife underpass at Walton Goat Lick is one of the most popular areas to observe the park’s beautiful wildlife. Visitor congestion along the highway and on the bridge presents an unsafe environment for all. In addition to safety concerns, human presence is encroaching upon the highway wildlife crossing and the human congestion negatively affects the bears, causing them to avoid their needed pathway.

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Oakland Zoo is Taking Action for the Grizzly Bear

Zoo-Park Partnership

Glacier National Park and Oakland Zoo have joined the Zoo-Park Partnership for America’s Keystone Wildlife Project. This unique initiative involves zoos and aquariums working with National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Forests and Grasslands in restoring sustainable habitats and wildlife populations across the country.

This partnership brings together Glacier National Park’s work to conserve and protect grizzlies, and the mission of Oakland Zoo’s conservation program.

Project Support

Oakland Zoo supports and sponsors the Passage Project currently underway to help save grizzly bears and wildlife in Glacier National Park. Once fully funded, the project will provide infrastructure to protect this vital wildlife corridor, allowing people to view these majestic creatures at a safe distance, while grizzlies are able to peacefully amble on. Besides a wildlife corridor, the project also includes wildlife fencing, more visible highway signage, installation of barriers (to prevent vehicles from stopping), educational signage, and an extension of the existing overlook trail, allowing a better vantage point of animals from under the bridge. The entire project aims to provide a safer future for both grizzlies and grizzly-loving wildlife enthusiasts.

Community Engagement

Oakland Zoo shares conservation issues facing grizzly bears and empowering solutions to conserve them to the public through a variety of channels: Docents and Volunteers, Teen Wild Guides, Education programs, events, exhibits, campaigns, Keeper Talks, and media stories.

Leadership Training and Staff Expertise

Oakland Zoo provides yearly professional training for field partners and offers myriad staff skills and resources to enhance conservation efforts. 

Eco-Travel with Impact

Oakland Zoo’s Eco-Travel Program plans to bring participants on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to take real action for wildlife at beautiful Glacier National Park.

Forever Homes

Oakland Zoo is committed to animal welfare and, when possible, offers forever homes to animals in need due to injury, parental loss due to car strikes or fires, the illegal pet trade, human-wildlife conflict, or other challenges. Four grizzly bears rescued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game now call Oakland Zoo home.

Taking Action for Grizzly Bears: You Can Too!

• VOTE during your next visit to the zoo, vote with your token or spare change for Glacier National Park’s Grizzly Passage Project at our Quarters for Conservation kiosks.
• DRIVE mindfully when in National Parks and in all areas where wildlife is present, be aware that animals can cut across the road quickly. Do not stop the car for wildlife viewing: If you see a bear along the road, please do not stop near it. If you wish to view the bear, travel at least 100 yards and pull over in a safe location. Roadside bears quickly become habituated to traffic and people, increasing their chances of being hit by vehicles.
• SUPPORT wildlife under and overpasses. Gaining in popularity all over the country, these corridors are vital, and exemplify real human-wildlife coexistence strategies.
• SECURE your food and garbage. Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store, or transport food unattended. Store all food and odorous items safely. Other scented items include: toiletries, feminine products, sunscreen etc.
• LEARN more about visiting grizzly habitat through Glacier National Park.
• VISIT our amazing National Parks with pleasure, pride and respect for all.