Prairie wildlife

Amidst the dense forests of RNSP, grassy prairies provide a haven for wildlife by offering food sources unavailable elsewhere. Abundant sunlight and higher temperatures contribute to different vegetative growth. Roosevelt elk in particular are drawn to the profusion of grasses that thrive in the prairies.

A few creatures you may see when you visit the prairies at RNSP:

Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Black bear (Ursus americanus)
Brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani)
Coyote (Canis latrans)
Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus ssp. roosevelti)
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Birds

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

Black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)

Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata)

Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

Western toad (Bufo boreas)

Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

Northern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus coeruleus)

Northwestern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus)

For a complete list of the parks' wildlife, please see the cooperating associations page

Learn more about the prairie environment...