Landmark Series—Behind the Bandana: Polebridge, Montana
Lorin Anderberg
Polebridge is a small community nestled in nature. Arriving by dirt road, you’ll find that Polebridge is a gateway to Glacier National Park located just short of the northwestern park entrance. The town’s population of 168 makes do with no electricity, cell service, or wifi, offering a true off-the-grid experience. With easy access to the North Fork, this destination is abundant with activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its charm, proximity to wilderness, and baked goods, the heart of Polebdirge is the historic Mercantile, which opened in 1914. Now home to a delicious bakery, outdoor provisions, and cabin accommodations, The Mercantile is a beloved tourist destination. Treat yourself to a bear claw doughnut on your next visit before embarking on an adventure and the Northern Lights Saloon will be waiting to greet you upon your return with a thirst-quenching beer.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons, Shannon.Doyle)
Beyond its bounty of activities, Polebridge is also home to a fascinating ecosystem. Let’s dive into the featured species on our Polebridge Bandana:
American Black Bear Skull
Baker’s Mariposa Lily
Creeping Bellflower
Gray Wolf
Old World Swallowtail Butterfly
Orange Hawkweed
Red-Tailed Hawk
Rufous Hummingbird
St. Lawrence Tiger Moth
Sticky Geranium
Thimbleberry
Trembling Aspen
White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle
Field Guide:
(Kintla Lake, Source: Wikimedia Commons, Red panda bot)
Land Acknowledgement:
Polebridge and Glacier National Park are located on the ancestral homelands of the Amskapi Piikani (the Blackfeet Nation of Montana), the Niitsítapi (the Blackfoot Confederacy), the Séliš (Salish), Ql̓ispé (Pend d’Oreille or Kalispel), and Ktunaxa (Kootenai). The state of Montana recognizes the First Nations peoples, these tribes are the original and longest-serving stewards of the lands.
#1. American Black Bear Skull (Ursus americanus)
(Source: Wikimedia Commons, OceanAtoll)
Introducing the enigmatic "Black bear" - a species whose fur dons hues of brown, defying their name. These omnivores retreat into hibernation during winter and tend to keep to themselves when not nurturing their cubs. Standing tall at weights of up to 600lbs, they gracefully navigate both land and water, indulging in a diverse diet of berries, nuts, and insects. However, salmon reigns supreme as their preferred protein. Equipped with noses highly attuned to scent, Black bears possess a remarkable ability to detect food a mile away. While generally docile, remember the adage "If it's brown, lay down (Grizzly); if it's black, fight back" should you encounter them. Use your voice and presence to assert yourself confidently.
#2. Baker’s Mariposa Lily (Calochortus apiculatus)
(Source: Wikimedia, Lazarus000)
A botanical wonder with intricate details, the Baker Mariposa Lily’s slender stem rises to heights of 10-35cm. You won't miss its distinctive three elegant white petals nestled above the triangular green bracts, accentuated by a fuzzy yellow base adorned with a small circular black gland appearing as a decorative polka dot.
#3. Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)
(Source: Wikimedia Commons, Isidre blanc)
Creeping Bellflower is an herbaceous creeping perennial. Native to Eurasia, it is considered an invasive species. With unbranched stems that are usually 1 to 3 feet tall, the stems bear five-lobed, blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers.
#4. Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus)
Gray Wolves are canines with long bushy tails that are often black-tipped. Their coat color is typically a mix of gray and brown with buffy facial markings. Intelligent and highly social, these pack animals are crucial in driving evolution and balancing ecosystems. Due to overhunting, they are federally protected by the Endangered Species Act. Wolves often travel at five miles an hour but can reach speeds of 40 miles an hour.
#5. Old World Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio machaon Linnaeus)
This butterfly’s wings are predominantly yellow with black stripes. Just below each tail, you’ll find one red and six blue eye spots. The hindwings have a distinctive black eyespot with a blue center. The coloration serves as nature’s camouflage, mimicry that helps deter predators. The caterpillars are green with black stripes and have a unique defense mechanism wherein a pair of orange “horns” emerge and emit a foul odor.
#6. Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Orange hawkweed, also known as devil's paintbrush, is a striking perennial that boasts vibrant orange-red flowers that grace the landscape during the summer and early fall. Not only are these flowers visually captivating, but the hawkweed's stems and leaves also release a milky sap when broken. It's important to note that while this species may be aesthetically pleasing, it is classified as an invasive plant.
#7. Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
These majestic birds are named for their distinctive reddish-brown tail feathers. They have a broad, rounded wingspan with dark-tipped wings and pale undersides. This magnificent bird, one of the largest in the land, possesses eyesight that surpasses our own eightfold, allowing them to spot a mouse from 100 feet above the earth. Their majestic birdcall has become the quintessential sound of eagles in the world of cinema. The oldest Red-Tailed Hawk discovered is 30 years old. Listen to their majestic birdcall here.
#8. Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
The Rufous Hummingbird is a vibrant and petite avian wonder known for its remarkable migration and striking plumage. Males measure a mere 3-3.5 inches, showcasing brilliant orange-red feathers on their throats, sides, and tails, while females and young birds exhibit greenish-bronze backs, whitish underparts, and charmingly speckled throats. These hummingbirds embark on one of the lengthiest migratory routes among North American species, covering up to 3,000 miles. Their marvelous memory enables them to remember feeding grounds from past years throughout their journey. Listen to their birdsong here.
#9. St. Lawrence Tiger Moth (Arctia parthenos)
(Source: Wikimedia: Marc-Lautenbacher)
The St. Lawrence Tiger Moth is known for its striking appearance. Its wings are decorated with a mixture of white with black markings and orange hindwings.
#10. Sticky Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum)
Sticky Geranium stands out for its pink and violet flowers distinctly marked with deep purple veins that serve as a guide to the plant's nectar. Named "sticky" for the gooey milky substance that is emitted when broken apart. Celebrating the wisdom of Native Americans, geraniums were harnessed to address hemorrhaging, soothe sores, and alleviate discomfort through poultices made from crushed roots.
#11. Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
(Source: Wikimedia, Philippe Giabbanelli)
(Source: Wikimedia, Ser Amantio di Nicolao)
Aptly named for its charming resemblance to a thimble, the Thimbleberry is loved by humans and wildlife alike. This tart edible berry boasts a woody, thornless stem reminiscent of a grapevine. Its fuzzy, five-lobed leaves can grow larger than a person's outstretched hand, earning it the endearing nickname of nature's toilet paper for its gentle touch. This trail-side snack is a great source of vitamin C!
#12. Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Trembling Aspen, also known as Quaking Aspen, is a deciduous tree species native to North America. Its heart-shaped leaves, adorned with finely saw-toothed margins, become a spectacle of vibrant yellow hues in autumn when they can be seen shaking playfully in the breeze. This tree's white bark plays a key role in the photosynthesis process. Utah is home to the largest known living grove where a single root system supports nearly 50,000 stems.
#13. White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle (Monochamus scutellatus)
(Source: Wikimedia Commons, Dger)
The White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle is a species of longhorn beetle native to North America. It has a black body with distinct white spots on its wings. They are recognizable for their lengthy antennae which can be up to 3 times as long as their body. These beetles can be found taking refuge in dead trees. While these battles serve as food for multiple bird and insect species, they can also be dangerous to living trees if they infest their bark.
Ready to geek out on more nature facts? Head over to our Landmark Series page for more.