The 'Riding Mountain' is part of the Manitoba escarpment and rises dramatically to 436 metres above the surrounding plains. Surrounded by agricultural land, Riding Mountain National Park exemplifies the idea of a 'wilderness island'; and protects a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation. The park is unique because it has three distinct vegetation zones, a characteristic which creates some of the greatest natural diversity in Canada. The plant and animal communities of the north, south and west meet here. Large mammals who make their home in the park include black bears, moose, elk, wolves and coyotes. Riding Mountain is noted for the size and number of its wildlife species, which is a result of the park's lush and varied vegetation. Riding Mountain has 3,000-3,500 moose and elk and the highest concentration of black bears in North America.