You are here

Gros Morne Trail Closes To Protect Rock Ptarmigan

Share
Gros Morne protects newborn rock ptarmigan.

Gros Morne protects newborn rock ptarmigan. This photo was taken with a telephoto lens to avoid harassing or disturbing the birds/Parks Canada photo by Darroch Whitaker

The summit of Gros Morne Mountain, which includes the 8-kilometre (5-mile) Summit Trail, is closed May 1 to June 23 to protect rock ptarmigan, caribou and arctric hare in Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park during critical weeks of reproduction and growth.

The wildlife “need privacy and a disturbance-free environment as they have their young and care for them in their first days of life,” according to a Parks Canada statement. It says rock ptarmigan chicks are extremely vulnerable in their first week after hatching and must be warmed every few minutes. If a mother is distracted from her brood for too long, it can put the chicks at high risk of hypothermia and death. Being separated from their mother in cold, wet weather for just a few minutes can put chicks in danger.

As well, caribou are having their calves on the mountain at this time, and the park says “the newborns need peace and quiet while they find their legs and build their strength to keep up with their mothers.”

A map of the temporary trail closure.

A map of the temporary trail closure/Parks Canada

The closure also helps protect the fragile mountain terrain since soils that are wet and frost heaved are easily eroded.

While the mountain portion of the Gros Morne Mountain Trail is closed, the 4.5-kilometre (2.8-mile) Approach Trail from the trailhead to the Ferry Gulch Brook bridge at the base of the mountain remains open.

The Summit Trail will reopen to the public on June 24. Visitors can check out Gros Morne’s website, email [email protected] or call 709-458-2417 for information on trails and current trail conditions.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.