Bison
The American bison is the largest mammal on the North American continent. 
Prairie Dogs
Named for their bark-like calls and black-tipped tail, black-tailed prairie dogs are small, short-tailed animals. 
Elk
Rocky Mountain elk are one of the park's most elusive residents. 
Pronghorn
Pronghorns are the fastest land mammal in North America. 
Mule Deer
Mule deer are commonly observed around the visitor center. Learn more about these deer. 
Coyotes
Coyotes are the most commonly spotted predator in Theodore Roosevelt National Park 
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are found throughout most of the continental United States and are one of the most common ungulates in North America. 
Porcupines
Porcupines are seen high in the canopy of trees eating twigs. 
Big Horn Sheep
Bighorn sheep are found in steep badlands terrain along the Little Missouri River in the North Unit. 
American Badger
Badgers may be found in and around prairie dog towns
Many of the iconic animals in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are mammals. Animals such as the American bison and the black-tailed prairie dog are relatively easy to spot. Others such as big horn sheep or elk are more difficult to find, due to their behaviors and/or preferred hours of activity. Many of the large mammals living in the park today were not present at the time of the park's establishment in the 1940s. Bison, elk and bighorn sheep had all been extirpated from this region. Deer and pronghorn were rare. Various reintroduction programs proved successful in returning native wildlife to the ecosystem. Not only do they represent the experiences of Theodore Roosevelt, but they provide visitors with their own experience of a wild prairie. Mammals which are noticeably absent from the ecosystem are the apex predators: wolves, brown bears and mountain lions. Although an occasional mountain lion may roam through the park, the absence of these predators requires the park to manage our large mammal populations. These programs are necessary for ecosystem health and diversity. 
Horses
The park is working to maintain a healthy, genetically viable horse population. 
Longhorn Cattle
The park maintains a small herd of longhorn steers in the North Unit.
For the Livestock Management Plan, please click either the Horses or Longhorn Steers links directly above. |
Last updated: December 18, 2024