• Wind Cave National Park - Two Worlds

    Wind Cave

    National Park South Dakota

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  • Elk Mountain Campground Closed

    The Elk Mountain Campground is closed and will remain closed through the summer of 2013 due to across the board budget cuts.

Snakes - Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer

Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer - Coluber constrictor

Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer - Coluber constrictor

NPS Photo by Kevin Jackson

The eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor) is a fast moving snake that will dine on small birds, lizards, rodents, insects and even other snakes. When frightened the yellow-bellied racer will vibrate its tail. If the snake is lying in dry leaves or grass the vibrating tail may sound like the warning buzz of a rattlesnake.

Did You Know?

Blue Flax

Blue Flax is often considered a subspecies of the Eurasian L. perenne which is very similar.  The plant is named after Meriwether Lewis. More...