Badlands National Park &

Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

The Badlands, interesting formations and wildlife. 

American Bison, aka buffalo, reside here in abundance. What a magnificent animal that is so well adapted to the varied extremes of its environment.

This area has also managed to preserve its prairie dog populations, as well. As a result of the effects of these dog towns, they have been able to successfully reintroduce black-footed ferrets and the burrowing owl populations have increased. Ferrets are nocturnal and the owls are shy so no pictures. I did see quite a few burrowing owls, but they were in the distance.

The distinguishing characters, by far, are the land formations. Pictures do not do justice to their unique character and charm. Hot, dry and dusty, but remarkable when you learn how and when they formed and how erosion has worked its environmental magic.

The formations are called “table tops” and are approximately one acre on top. The sides are very steep, so the early settlers couldn't get their livestock up there to graze.

The inventiveness of these pioneers is remarkable. They took apart their mowers and moved them up onto these areas. Then they would use ropes and pulleys to slide their hay bales down to the valley floor. An early form of zip line, I suppose, but I don't think the settlers took advantage of this recreational opportunity.

The view out my trailer window while I was having my morning coffee, about 40 feet away. We came to a mutual understanding that he would maintain his distance and I would have another cup of java.

Bison take advantage of anything vertical to scratch an itch, whenever possible.

Weather can change quickly, or just threaten and pass by.

Extensive grasslands as well. A collaboration between preservation of unique habitats and various land use practices such as grazing.

Hard to believe the ancient sea creatures that once inhabited this region. Many fossils are still being found as erosion continues to expose them.