NPS Photo

Estes Suter Watching the Bison Herds He Helped to Strengthen

Changing Methods

The methods of wildlife management have changed dramatically over the last 100 years as our knowledge and understanding of nature have increased. This can only continue if we study the natural processes that protect and control the ecosystems and make adjustments based on what we learn.

NPS Photo

Re-introducing Badgers to the Prairie Dog Towns

Learning From the Past

The early attempts at managing wildlife show clearly how limited our under-standing of nature was, but the fact that attempts were made is of utmost importance. We would have lost a large part of our natural heritage without those attempts. These attempts became the basis of a growing and improving process that we are still striving for today.

NPS Photo

Red Valley

Protecting the Future

Managing the natural resources of the park has been difficult and we have not overcome all the difficulties. Just as past managers struggled with brucellosis, over-population, droughts, and other issues, today’s managers struggle with chronic wasting disease, drought, the invasion of exotic plants, and over-population within this 28,295 acre park. Like past managers, we will encounter many surprises, but the goal remains the same - protecting the animals, the prairie, and an exciting part of our heritage on the mixed grass prairie of Wind Cave National Park.