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    Bent's Old Fort

    National Historic Site Colorado

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  • Events and activities subject to change

    The public should be prepared for reduced hours and services provided by Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site employees due to the sequestration that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes.

Reptiles

Nature and Science

Coachwhip

(Don Troyer)

The grasslands and cottonwood / willow riparian area are prime habitat for reptiles. Fourteen species of snakes, five species of lizards, and three species of turtles are found on site. The more common snakes are the Western rattlesnake, Yellow-bellied racer, Bullsnake, and Plains garter snake. Spiny softshell turtles can also be seen in the large wetland and the Arkansas River. Inventory work on reptiles will continue at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site.

Did You Know?

Trapper teaches trapping to the visitors

One of the most educated and well traveled men at Bent’s Fort was a humble hunter named Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.  This highly regarded Bent employee started out life as the infant son of  Sacajawea and accompanied his mother on the famous Lewis and Clark expedition.