Montana is home to more than 600 species of wildlife, including every large mammal native to the contiguous United States except the jaguar. From wolf packs in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley to 300,000 snow geese at Freezout Lake, from mountain goats at Logan Pass to the largest bighorn sheep herd in the nation at Sun River Canyon — this guide covers 15 verified viewing locations with species, seasons, equipment recommendations, and access details. All locations are sourced from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
🦌 Wildlife Viewing Areas (15)
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife RefugeA 15,000-acre refuge in north-central Montana supporting nesting white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and a diversity of ducks and shorebirds. The 15-mile auto tour route is open year-round. Excellent fall waterfowl viewing. Piping plovers and other shorebirds nest here in summer.
15-mile auto tour route. Free. Nesting white pelicans and cormorants. Piping plover nesting. Excellent fall waterfowl. Open year-round.
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife RefugeAt 1.1 million acres, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest refuges in the contiguous United States. Located along Fort Peck Lake in north-central Montana, it supports elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and a diversity of birds. The 19-mile Auto Tour Route provides reliable wildlife viewing. Excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and paddlefish.
1.1 million acres. 19-mile Auto Tour Route. Free. Elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs. Excellent fishing. Remote — plan accordingly.
CSKT Bison Range (National Bison Range) — Moiese
Wildlife RefugeEstablished in 1908 as one of the first federal wildlife refuges, the range was transferred to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in 2020. A herd of 250–300 bison roams the 18,766-acre range. The 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive (open July 4–Labor Day) provides close-range bison viewing. The 5-mile Prairie Drive is open year-round. Elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer are also present.
250–300 bison. Red Sleep Mountain Drive open July 4–Labor Day (19 miles). Prairie Drive open year-round (5 miles). $10/vehicle. Managed by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife Management AreaOne of the premier waterfowl viewing sites in North America. During spring migration (March–April), up to 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans stage at Freezout Lake simultaneously. The sight and sound of this migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the American West. Teal, pintail, canvasback, and many other duck species are also present in large numbers.
Up to 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans in spring migration. One of the most spectacular wildlife events in the American West. Free. 10 miles west of Fairfield on MT-89.
Glacier National Park — Logan Pass
National ParkThe highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road at 6,646 feet. Mountain goats are commonly seen at the visitor center and along the Hidden Lake Overlook trail (1.5 miles). Bighorn sheep are also present. The alpine meadows support pikas, hoary marmots, and a variety of birds. Parking fills by 7 a.m. in summer — arrive before dawn or use the park shuttle.
Mountain goats habituated to humans — may approach closely. Never feed wildlife. Parking fills by 7 a.m. — use park shuttle. Hidden Lake Overlook trail (1.5 miles) for best goat viewing.
Glacier National Park — Many Glacier Valley
National ParkThe Many Glacier valley on the east side of Glacier National Park is one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas in the park. Grizzly bears are frequently seen in the meadows around Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. Moose are regularly spotted in the willows. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are visible on the rocky slopes above Grinnell Lake. The Grinnell Glacier Trail (7.6 miles round-trip) passes through prime habitat.
Grizzly bears in meadows around Swiftcurrent Lake. Moose in willows. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats on rocky slopes. 100-yard minimum distance from bears.
Goat Lick Overlook
Roadside ViewingA natural salt lick on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River draws mountain goats from the surrounding mountains. The overlook is right off US-2 with a large parking area. Goats descend from the surrounding mountains to lick minerals from the exposed rock face. Activity is highest in late May and June. The overlook is free and open year-round.
Right off US-2. Free. Large parking area. Goats most active late May–June at the mineral lick. Open year-round. One of the most accessible mountain goat viewing sites in Montana.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife RefugeA 2,800-acre refuge in the Bitterroot Valley supporting nesting ospreys, bald eagles, and a large variety of songbirds. The 2.5-mile wildlife trail is open year-round. Excellent fall waterfowl viewing. White-tailed deer are commonly seen. Located in the Bitterroot Valley between Missoula and Hamilton.
2.5-mile wildlife trail. Free. Nesting ospreys and bald eagles. Excellent fall waterfowl. White-tailed deer common. Between Missoula and Hamilton.
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife RefugeA 4,000-acre wetland complex in the Flathead Valley surrounded by the Mission Mountains. Osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and a diversity of waterfowl nest here. Canvasbacks, redheads, ruddy ducks, and many other species use the refuge. The Mission Mountains provide a spectacular scenic backdrop. Open year-round; no entrance fee.
Free. Open year-round. Mission Mountains backdrop. Osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons nesting. Excellent waterfowl diversity.
Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Viewing Area
Wildlife AreaThe largest single-day golden eagle count ever recorded in North America occurred here: 818 eagles in one day during spring migration. The annual migration runs early March through early May, with the peak in mid-March. Viewing typically begins around 9 a.m. with the daily peak at 3 p.m. Located approximately 45 miles west of Great Falls on Montana Highway 200.
Record 818 golden eagles in one day. Peak migration mid-March. Viewing 9 a.m.–3 p.m. daily. Pull-out on northeast side of MT-200. Contact Rocky Mountain Ranger Station (406) 466-5341.
Sun River Canyon — Gibson Reservoir Bighorn Sheep Viewing
Wildlife AreaThe Sun River Canyon herd is one of the largest bighorn sheep herds in the United States, numbering approximately 1,000 animals. From January through April, sheep are commonly seen near the Gibson Dam parking lot and along the dirt roads in the area. The canyon is in a snow shadow and often accessible when other mountain roads are closed. Scenic and accessible close-range viewing from inside a vehicle.
One of the largest bighorn sheep herds in the US (~1,000 animals). Best January–April. Snow shadow — often accessible in winter. Close-range viewing from vehicle. Contact Rocky Mountain Ranger Station.
Sun River Wildlife Management Area — Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area
Wildlife Management AreaOne of the premier elk viewing sites in the American West. The Sun River herd is one of the largest elk herds in the United States, numbering approximately 2,000 animals. In late October and November, hundreds of elk congregate in the meadows below the Rocky Mountain Front as they descend from summer range. The viewing area has a parking area and interpretive signs. Binoculars or a spotting scope are recommended.
Sun River herd is one of the largest elk herds in the US (~2,000 animals). Best viewing October–November. Parking area and interpretive signs. 45 miles west of Augusta.
Wolf Creek Canyon — I-15 Hardy Creek Exit
Roadside ViewingThe canyon walls along I-15 south of Great Falls support wintering bald and golden eagles. Lewis and Clark first documented bighorn sheep here in 1805. Accessible from the Hardy Creek exit (Exit 247) — park and walk the Old US-91 frontage road south. Springs in the area prevent the Missouri River from freezing, keeping eagles active through winter.
Free. Wintering bald and golden eagles. Lewis and Clark first documented bighorn sheep here (1805). Take Exit 247 off I-15, walk Old US-91 frontage road south.
Yellowstone National Park — Hayden Valley
National ParkHayden Valley, located between Fishing Bridge and Canyon Village, is the best place in the world to view wild bison. Herds of hundreds — sometimes thousands — of animals are visible from the road in summer. Grizzly bears are regularly spotted, particularly around the Yellowstone River. Coyotes, sandhill cranes, and white pelicans are also common.
Best place in the world to view wild bison. Herds of hundreds to thousands visible from road. Grizzly bears along Yellowstone River. 25-yard minimum distance from bison.
Yellowstone National Park — Lamar Valley
National ParkThe Lamar Valley in Yellowstone's northeast corner is widely regarded as the best wildlife viewing area in North America. Multiple wolf packs use the valley year-round. Grizzly bears and black bears are regularly spotted from the road. Bison herds of hundreds to thousands are visible in summer. Elk, pronghorn, coyotes, bald eagles, and ravens are common. The valley is accessible year-round via the Northeast Entrance Road.
Best wildlife viewing area in North America. Spotting scope essential for wolf viewing. Year-round access via Northeast Entrance Road. Winter offers bison and wolves in snow.
⚠️ Wildlife Viewing Safety & Etiquette
⚠️ Distance Requirements
Montana’s wildlife is wild — encounters can be unpredictable and dangerous. These distances are enforced as federal law in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
- Bears and wolves: Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away at all times.
- Bison, elk, and all other wildlife: Stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away.
- Bear spray: Carry it and know how to use it in all grizzly country (western and north-central Montana).
- Never feed wildlife. Animals that associate humans with food are almost always euthanized.
- Seasonal closures: Many areas in Glacier and Yellowstone have seasonal closures to protect nesting or denning animals. Check current conditions before heading out.
📖 Species Guide & Viewing Tips
Montana Wildlife Viewing Guide
Browse by Species
Montana is home to more than 600 species of wildlife, including every large mammal native to the contiguous United States except the jaguar. The state supports one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the lower 48, the largest elk herd in the nation (the Sun River herd), the most significant wolf population outside of Yellowstone, and one of the only remaining wild bison herds on public land. This guide covers the best verified viewing locations for Montana's most iconic species, organized by animal and sourced from Montana FWP, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
🐻 Bears
Montana's Rocky Mountains support both black bears and grizzly bears. Black bears are found statewide in forested areas; grizzlies are primarily concentrated in the Northern Rockies — Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The best viewing windows are late May through early June (mothers with cubs feeding in meadows) and early September (pre-hibernation foraging).
Viewing Distance: Maintain at least 100 yards from all bears. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Top Bear Viewing Locations
Glacier National Park — Avalanche Creek and Iceberg Lake Trail The Avalanche Creek corridor and the meadows along the Iceberg Lake Trail (4.9 miles one-way) are among the best grizzly viewing areas in the contiguous United States. In May and June, grizzlies are frequently seen feeding in the large meadow areas near these trails. The Many Glacier area on the east side of the park is particularly productive for bear sightings, especially at dawn and dusk.
Yellowstone National Park — Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley The Lamar Valley in the park's northeast corner is widely regarded as the best wildlife viewing area in North America. Grizzly bears and black bears are regularly spotted from the road. The Tower-Roosevelt Junction section is also productive. Hayden Valley, in the park's center, offers excellent grizzly viewing in summer, particularly around the Yellowstone River.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex The "Bob" supports one of the densest grizzly populations in the lower 48. Backcountry travelers frequently encounter bears along the South Fork of the Flathead River and near the Chinese Wall. This is wilderness travel — permits are not required but bear canisters and bear spray are essential.
🦌 Elk
Montana's elk population exceeds 150,000 animals, making it one of the largest in North America. The Sun River herd, centered on the Sun River Wildlife Management Area west of Augusta, is one of the largest elk herds in the United States, numbering approximately 2,000 animals. Elk are most visible during the September–October rut, when bulls bugle and gather harems.
Top Elk Viewing Locations
Sun River Wildlife Management Area — Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area Located approximately 45 miles west of Augusta near Gibson Reservoir, the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area is one of the premier elk viewing sites in the American West. In late October and November, hundreds of elk congregate in the meadows below the Rocky Mountain Front as they descend from summer range. The viewing area has a parking area and interpretive signs. Binoculars or a spotting scope are recommended.
Yellowstone National Park — Northern Range (Mammoth to Lamar Valley) The Northern Range of Yellowstone supports the park's largest elk herd. Elk are visible year-round along the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley. During the September rut, bulls are frequently heard bugling from the Mammoth area.
National Bison Range (CSKT Bison Range) — Moiese The 18,766-acre range managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes supports elk in addition to bison. The 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive provides excellent viewing opportunities, particularly in early morning and evening.
Glacier National Park — Many Glacier and St. Mary Valleys Elk are commonly seen in the Many Glacier valley and along the St. Mary Lake corridor, particularly in fall when they descend from high alpine terrain.
🦬 Bison
Wild bison were extirpated from Montana by the 1880s. Today, two publicly accessible wild bison herds exist in the state: the Yellowstone herd (approximately 5,000 animals, the largest wild bison herd in the world) and the CSKT Bison Range herd (250–300 animals). A third herd exists in the American Prairie Reserve, a private conservation initiative in north-central Montana.
Viewing Distance: Maintain at least 25 yards from bison. Despite their appearance, bison can run 35 mph and are responsible for more injuries in Yellowstone than any other animal.
Top Bison Viewing Locations
Yellowstone National Park — Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley Hayden Valley, located between Fishing Bridge and Canyon Village, is the best place in the world to view wild bison. Herds of hundreds — sometimes thousands — of animals are visible from the road in summer. The Lamar Valley also supports large bison herds year-round.
CSKT Bison Range (National Bison Range) — Moiese Established in 1908 as one of the first federal wildlife refuges, the range was transferred to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in 2020. The 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive (open July 4–Labor Day) provides close-range bison viewing. The 5-mile Prairie Drive is open year-round. Entrance fee: $10/vehicle.
American Prairie Reserve — Phillips County The American Prairie Reserve is assembling a 3.2-million-acre reserve in north-central Montana. A herd of approximately 800 wild bison roams the reserve's Sun Prairie Unit. Viewing is possible from public roads adjacent to the reserve.
🐺 Wolves
Gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and have since expanded throughout western Montana. The state's wolf population is estimated at 800–1,000 animals in approximately 100 packs. Wolf sightings are most reliable in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, where habituated packs have been studied continuously since reintroduction.
Top Wolf Viewing Locations
Yellowstone National Park — Lamar Valley The Lamar Valley is the best place in the world to observe wild wolves. Multiple packs use the valley, and sightings are most common at dawn and dusk. The Lamar Valley Pullout and Slough Creek area are popular viewing spots. Bring a spotting scope — wolves are often visible at distances of 1–3 miles.
Glacier National Park Several wolf packs use Glacier National Park. Sightings are less predictable than in Yellowstone due to denser forest cover, but the North Fork of the Flathead River corridor and the Belly River area have produced reliable sightings.
🦅 Raptors & Eagles
Montana's rivers and mountain ranges support exceptional raptor diversity. The Rocky Mountain Front is one of the most significant golden eagle migration corridors in North America. Bald eagles winter along unfrozen river reaches statewide.
Top Raptor Viewing Locations
Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Viewing Area — near Choteau The largest single-day golden eagle count ever recorded in North America occurred here: 818 eagles in one day during spring migration. The annual migration runs early March through early May, with the peak in mid-March. Viewing typically begins around 9 a.m. with the daily peak at 3 p.m. Located approximately 45 miles west of Great Falls on Montana Highway 200.
Wolf Creek Canyon (I-15, Hardy Creek Exit) The canyon walls along I-15 south of Great Falls support wintering bald and golden eagles. Lewis and Clark first documented bighorn sheep here. Accessible from the Hardy Creek exit (Exit 247) — park and walk the frontage road south.
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge — Ronan A 4,000-acre wetland complex in the Flathead Valley. Osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and a diversity of waterfowl nest here. The refuge is surrounded by the Mission Mountains and provides spectacular scenic backdrops. Open year-round; no entrance fee.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge — Stevensville Located in the Bitterroot Valley, this 2,800-acre refuge supports nesting ospreys, bald eagles, and a large variety of songbirds. The 2.5-mile wildlife trail is open year-round. Excellent fall waterfowl viewing.
🐐 Mountain Goats & Bighorn Sheep
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are found throughout Montana's mountain ranges. Both species are most visible in late fall and winter when they descend to lower elevations.
Top Mountain Goat Viewing Locations
Glacier National Park — Logan Pass and Highline Trail Mountain goats are commonly seen at Logan Pass and along the Highline Trail. They are habituated to humans and may approach closely — maintain distance and never feed them. The Hidden Lake Overlook trail offers reliable goat sightings.
Lost Creek State Park — Anaconda A 1-mile trail leads to a 50-foot waterfall, and mountain goats are frequently visible on the canyon walls throughout the hike. One of the most accessible mountain goat viewing sites in Montana.
Goat Lick Overlook — US Highway 2, near Essex A natural salt lick on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River draws mountain goats from the surrounding mountains. The overlook is accessible from US-2 and provides excellent close-range viewing, particularly in late May and June when goats are most active at the lick.
Top Bighorn Sheep Viewing Locations
Sun River Canyon — Gibson Reservoir (near Augusta) The Sun River Canyon herd is one of the largest bighorn sheep herds in the United States, numbering approximately 1,000 animals. From January through April, sheep are commonly seen near the Gibson Dam parking lot and along the dirt roads in the area. The canyon is in a snow shadow and often accessible when other mountain roads are closed.
Glacier National Park — Grinnell Glacier Trail The 7.6-mile round-trip Grinnell Glacier Trail (without water taxi) is one of the best places to see bighorn sheep in the park. Sheep are frequently encountered on the rocky slopes above Grinnell Lake.
Beartooth Highway — between Red Lodge and Cooke City Bighorn sheep are commonly seen along the Beartooth Highway, particularly near the switchbacks above Red Lodge. The high alpine terrain above timberline also supports mountain goats and pikas.
🦌 Moose
Montana's moose population is concentrated in the northwest — Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, and the Cabinet Mountains — as well as in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Moose are most visible in early morning and evening near willows, streams, and lake margins.
Top Moose Viewing Locations
Glacier National Park — Many Glacier and Two Medicine Moose are regularly seen in the Many Glacier valley, particularly around Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The Two Medicine area also produces reliable sightings. Dawn and dusk are most productive.
Yellowstone National Park — Willow Park and Gallatin River corridor Willow Park, located between Mammoth and Norris, is one of the most reliable moose viewing spots in Yellowstone. The Gallatin River corridor in the park's northwest corner also supports moose.
Kootenai National Forest — Libby area The river bottoms and willow thickets of the Kootenai National Forest support one of the highest moose densities in Montana. The Fisher River and Yaak River valleys are particularly productive.
🦬 Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorn are North America's fastest land animal, capable of sustained speeds of 55 mph. Montana's pronghorn population exceeds 100,000 animals, concentrated on the eastern plains. They are visible year-round from highways across eastern Montana.
Top Pronghorn Viewing Locations
US Highway 2 — from Havre to Glasgow The Hi-Line corridor across north-central Montana passes through prime pronghorn habitat. Herds of dozens to hundreds of animals are commonly visible from the highway, particularly in winter when they congregate on wind-swept ridges.
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge — Fort Peck area The 1.1-million-acre CMR Refuge supports large pronghorn populations. The Auto Tour Route (19 miles) provides reliable viewing. The refuge also supports elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
I-90 Corridor — between Billings and Miles City Pronghorn are visible from I-90 throughout the Yellowstone River valley. The Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park (Exit 377) is a reliable stop for both prairie dogs and pronghorn.
🦆 Waterfowl & Shorebirds
Montana's wetlands, prairie potholes, and river systems support exceptional waterfowl diversity. The state lies at the intersection of the Central and Pacific Flyways, making it a critical migration corridor.
Top Waterfowl Viewing Locations
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area — Fairfield One of the premier waterfowl viewing sites in North America. During spring migration (March–April), up to 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans stage at Freezout Lake simultaneously. The sight and sound of this migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the American West. Teal, pintail, and other ducks are also present in large numbers.
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge — Ronan A 4,000-acre wetland complex that supports nesting and migrating waterfowl. Canvasbacks, redheads, ruddy ducks, and many other species use the refuge. The Mission Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge — Malta A 15,000-acre refuge in north-central Montana. Nesting white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and a diversity of ducks and shorebirds. The 15-mile auto tour route is open year-round.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Montana's wildlife is wild — encounters can be unpredictable and dangerous. The following guidelines apply statewide and are enforced in national parks.
Distances: Maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from all other wildlife. In Yellowstone, these distances are federal law.
Timing: Dawn and dusk are universally the most productive times for wildlife viewing. Many species are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) or nocturnal.
Equipment: A spotting scope or binoculars with at least 8x magnification significantly improves the wildlife viewing experience. Many species in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley are visible only at distances of 1–3 miles.
Bear Safety: Carry bear spray in grizzly country and know how to use it. Make noise on trails. Never approach a bear. If a grizzly charges, deploy bear spray when it is within 30–60 feet. If a black bear charges, fight back.
Leave No Trace: Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and never feed wildlife. Habituated wildlife — animals that associate humans with food — are almost always euthanized.
Seasonal Closures: Many areas in Glacier and Yellowstone have seasonal wildlife closures to protect nesting or denning animals. Check current conditions at the park visitor centers before heading out.
Montana Wildlife at a Glance
| Species | Best Location | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Bear | Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP | May–June, September | 100-yard minimum distance |
| Black Bear | Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP | May–October | Statewide in forests |
| Gray Wolf | Yellowstone — Lamar Valley | Year-round | Spotting scope essential |
| Bison | Yellowstone — Hayden Valley | Year-round | 25-yard minimum distance |
| Elk | Sun River WMA, Yellowstone | September–November (rut) | Bugling audible at dawn |
| Moose | Glacier — Many Glacier | Year-round | Willows, lake margins |
| Pronghorn | Eastern Montana highways | Year-round | Herds visible from roads |
| Mountain Goat | Glacier — Logan Pass | Year-round | May approach closely |
| Bighorn Sheep | Sun River Canyon | January–April | Largest herd in US |
| Golden Eagle | Rocky Mtn Front | March–May | 818 in one day (record) |
| Bald Eagle | Wolf Creek Canyon | November–March | Wintering birds |
| Snow Goose | Freezout Lake WMA | March–April | Up to 300,000 staging |
| Tundra Swan | Freezout Lake WMA | March–April | Up to 10,000 staging |
| White Pelican | Bowdoin NWR, Ninepipe NWR | May–September | Nesting colonies |
| Prairie Dog | Greycliff Prairie Dog Town SP | Year-round | I-90 Exit 377 |
Sources: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov), National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Genuine Montana (genuinemontana.com), and the Montana Wildlife Viewing Guide (Falcon Guides). Verify current conditions and closures before visiting.
All locations and details sourced from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Always verify current conditions and closures at fwp.mt.gov or the relevant park/refuge website before visiting.