By the 1960’s, American attitudes towards wildlife and natural areas began to change. New methods of controlling populations of large mammals came into use. Managers of national parks began to focus on the parks as a whole, and began to manage to include all native forms of animal and plant life.
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Badger
Changing Our Ways
Predators are viewed as an important part of the natural system and programs to eliminate them stopped. Biologists around the country began to re-establish predator populations in wild areas.
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Dr. Hoogland Researching Prairie Dogs
Pests Exposed
Researchers began investigating the intricate connections of the small mammals and the ecosystems. In the 1970’s Dr. John Hoogland began a project to understand prairie dogs in Wind Cave National Park. He found that these animals, once considered varmints, are actually keystone species in the prairie ecosystem. Today, the prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, and many other animals that depend on the prairie are better understood. Their roles in the park ecosystems continue to be researched. Unlike past practices, animals are not labeled good or bad - their role in the park is carefully evaluated before control measures are taken.
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Roundup Using a Helicopter
Management
Today, the balance between herd size and plant communities is continually monitored. Excess bison and elk are rounded-up; tested for diseases; and, when possible, live shipped to Indian Reservations and other parks and refuges.
Did You Know?
The American bison is the largest terrestrial mammal in North America. Male bison can weigh a ton and can run 35 miles per hour. Do not approach bison. They weigh more and can outrun you.
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