![]() Animals: Likely to be seen monthly in appropriate habitat and season.Plants: Large numbers of individuals predictably occurring in commonly encountered habitats but not those covering a large portion of the park.Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, but not in large numbers.Plants: Large number of individuals wide ecological amplitude or occurring in habitats covering a large portion of the park.Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, and counted in relatively large numbers.Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Historical: Species' historical occurrence in park is documented. Not In Park: Species is not known to occur in park.Īdjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries.įalse Report: Species was reported to occur within the park, but current evidence indicates the report was based on misidentification, a taxonomic concept no longer accepted, or other similar problem of error or interpretation. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. Present: Species occurs in park current, reliable evidence available. One or more Occurrence Tags may be associated with each Occurrence value. When encountered, it can be rewarding to watch the hardy reptile in its natural environment from a safe distance as it slithers off into the prairie grass. Snakes are an integral part of the ecosystem for their role as both predator and prey. Although rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, they require immediate medical attention. However, prairie rattlesnakes are not aggressive and will avoid conflict as long as they are given plenty of space. Rattlesnakes are often found in prairie dog towns and rocky areas. While exploring, be aware of your surroundings. The only venomous snake found in the park is the prairie rattlesnake. If theatened, they may curl up defensively, flatten their head and neck, or even vibrate their tail in dry leaves to mimic a rattle. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar appearance and will even mimic rattlesnake behavior. ![]() ![]() ![]() Bullsnakes are also often seen around the visitor center and parking lot, and can grow up to four feet long making them South Dakota's largest snake. Garter snakes and milk snakes are small species that are often seen around the visitor center. In the warmer months, it is common to see a snake on a trailside, basking in the road or on a rock, or creeping through the undergrowth of long grass. Yellow-bellied racers are common throughout the park during the summer. ![]()
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