2019-12-20 04:24:06
BISON Colloquially referred to as “Buffalo” throughout the region, millions of these shaggy beasts once roamed the country. Now, with only an estimated 21,000 bison in the U.S. managed as wildlife, they are a unique, car stopping sight. You can see several herds throughout the area, all ranging from 300-1,500 head. ANTELOPE The Black Hills and Badlands are certainly where the deer and the antelope play. Pronghorn, commonly referred to as antelope, are prevalent throughout the region with an estimated population at 50,000. As the fastest animal in the Western Hemisphere, you can spot this impressive critter running up to 60 mph across the prairie. BIGHORN SHEEP The bighorn sheep is one of only two species of wild sheep in North America with large horns. As natural climbers, these animals are well suited to the crags of the Badlands and the steep mountains in the Black Hills. During the rut season in the fall, you can catch the rams crashing into each other at speeds of 40 mph. PRAIRIE DOGS Love them or hate them, these little varmints can be found all over the region, darting in and out of the ground and providing hours of entertainment. Watch the black-tailed prairie dog, native only to South Dakota, stand on its hind legs and “bark” as you approach its home. Sky, land and water — the Black Hills and Badlands have some of the most eye-catching critters in the U.S. Whether you’re looking for bison, bald eagles or turkey, you’re sure to find an iconic American animal during your trip. GET INTO A BUFFALO JAM AT CUSTER STATE PARK or feel the thunder of the annual Buffalo Roundup, Sept. 25, 2020. This great state park not only offers spectacular views and landscapes, but holds mountain goats, deer, coyotes, eagles, turkey and wild burros. SEE ONE OF THE MOST GENETICALLY PURE BISON HERDS AT WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK as well as coyotes, bats, deer, pronghorn, eagles, pheasant, owls, prairie dogs, chipmunks and more. EXPLORE THE EXPANDED RANGES OF BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK and find bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer, prairie dogs, and bald eagles among the alien landscape. Visit Prairie Homestead nearby to see its unique colony of white prairie dogs. EXPLORE THE BLACK HILLS OF WYOMING near Sundance and Hulett to see marmots, prairie dogs, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more. VENTURE TO THE NORTHERN HILLS to explore Bear Butte State Park and Spearfish Canyon, where you can catch rainbow and brown trout, as well as glimpses of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks.
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Wildlife
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