A cygnet swan stretches its wings the other night while feeding with its parents.

The elk herd at St. Mary, in this photo from March, 2007.

I always thought that allowing open use of guns in national parks was a really bad idea. The old law allowed guns, but they had to be unloaded and cased or stored in a trunk. Now we get a poaching story like this.
Under the new law, rangers can’t even stop someone from driving around the park with a loaded gun on the seat. While details haven’t been released, I doubt whoever did this even got out of their vehicle.
I’m a gun owner and an occasional hunter, I have nothing against legally taking game, but the uber gun lobby strong-armed this new law through as a rider on a spending bill. Congress needs to reform its rules to disallow riders on bills that aren’t similar subject matter. Allowing guns in national parks wouldn’t have passed on its own merit (Although all of Montana’s delegation supported the measure.)
Even, the Montana Legislature, which is definitely pro-gun in every regard, wouldn’t allow a rider like that. It’s against their rules.

As a side note: If you’ve never visited Glacier and you’re worried about a wildlife attack, carry bear spray. Don’t bring your gun. Bear spray is more effective and far safer.

Jenny M got the correct answer (see the comments in the post below). They’re trumpeter swans and the gray ones (immature swans) are called cygnets. Trumpeters are slowly, but surely, making a comeback in western Montana. Over the past several years there have been reintroduction efforts in the Blackfoot and Mission Valleys. It’s tough to say the origin of Glacier’s swans. This particular family group had no bands. In the winter, they come and go in the Park. Sometimes you’ll be graced by their presence for just a few days, other times for weeks. In Lake McDonald they’ll frequent shallow bays feeding in weed beds. There is no finer sight. Jenny M, e-mail me your address if you want your print...