Wildlife Viewing

A wide variety of wildlife calls Theodore Roosevelt National Park home.

Plan Around Wildlife Viewing

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Wildlife Viewing Details

Many birds and animals in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park will likely be seen as you travel the scenic drives, enjoy the lookouts, and explore the park's trails. The American bison and the black-tailed prairie dog are relatively easy to find; others may depend more on the time of day and location. Be on the lookout for wild horses, bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. Over 186 types of birds can be seen living or migrating through the park, and you may see small songbirds like the western meadowlark, a golden eagle, or a burrowing owl at the prairie dog towns. Many song birds make nests in the juniper trees. Reptiles also can be found inhabiting areas of the park and may include the the Common Snapping Turtle, Sagebrush or Short-horned Lizard, and a number of snakes including the venomous prairie rattlesnake (these will ignore humans unless surprised or provoked). Please remember to always observe and enjoy all wildlife from a distance, and remember that all wildlife is protected in a national park. Observe the speed limit, as any of these park inhabitants may be seen on the road -- sometimes, unexpectedly.

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