ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Little Missouri River as viewed from its surrounding bluffs

Fire is another of nature's agents adding color and shape to the face of this terrain. Igniting underground veins of lignite coal that burn and bake sand and clay into a red brick-like stone called "scoria". Pieces of scoria are found throughout the park. Petrified wood and prehistoric fossils are also frequently uncovered. Remnants of a forested marsh that once covered most of the Dakotas millions of years ago. Items protected by National Park policy.

The park's wildlife population includes reintroduced bison and elk that are again prospering on the open plains. Most of the animals found along the Little Missouri River that is their major source of freshwater. These animals also enjoy the shade of the cottonwoods that line the river bank as it meanders through the park.

The National Park's major campground is located directly on the Little Missouri. Providing an excellent viewing zone for wildlife which migrates down from the bluffs to drink water early and late in the day. Its wise not to approach the park's buffalo since they have been known to turn and charge. Weighing close to a ton, a buffalo can still outrun a human. Gorings have been reported in the park.

Other interesting wildlife viewing areas are located near several of the small unmarked springs. The reservoir near the Cottonwood Campground is located one mile past the Peaceful Valley Picnic Area. Use the turnoff on the left side of the road. If you pass the Jones Creek Trail you've gone too far. Another spring is located next to the Group Camping Area about a half-mile west of the Peaceful Valley Picnic Area.

Typical of when the West was first pioneered, wild horses roam throughout the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While pronghorn can be found in the distance on the open plains. Pronghorns are the fastest land animals in North America and reach speeds of 60 mph over short distances. White-tailed deer live in the dense brush of the valleys and a small band of bighorn sheep can sometimes be seen on the arid slopes. Elk, badger, beaver, coyote, porcupine, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, red fox, weasel and the ubiquitous prairie dogs also reside here. Mountain lions have been sighted but are extremely rare. The grizzly bear, gray wolf, and black-footed ferret that once roamed the park have long since been extirpated. Discussions are underway for their possible reintroduction at the dismay of local cattle farmers.

The black-footed ferret (seen above) is the most endangered land mammal in North America. In the late 1970s the species was thought to be extinct. The black-footed ferret became endangered because it only eats prairie dogs. With the development of the West and the widespread poisoning of prairie dog towns, the black-footed ferret lost both its home and its prey.

However, in 1981, over 100 were found living in a prairie dog town near Meteetse, Wyoming. Biologists were initially excited until canine distemper struck the population, killing all but 18. The surviving animals were trapped and moved to a captive breeding facility near Laramie, Wyoming. It is from these 18 animals that all the released black-footed ferrets have been produced.

Without the gray wolf and black-footed ferret to moderate the populations of prairie dogs, their numbers have grown out of control. It is uncertain what their fate will be. The healthy balance nature intended cannot be achieved without these predators. The endangered black-footed ferret with its mink-like coat will hopefully be brought back to the park without much delay. Bringing the Theodore Roosevelt National Park a step closer to how it once existed hundreds of years ago.

ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, prairie dog

This park is dedicated to America's greatest conservationist- Theodore Roosevelt. A President that promoted conservation of our nation's resources by establishing 18 National Monuments and over half of the 190 million acres in our National Forest System. Roosevelt added 100 million acres of forest land during his two terms as President (1901-1909). This is 80% of our western National Forest land! An unprecedented achievement and one that generations of nature loving Americans have since been grateful to him for accomplishing.

Roosevelt's contributions may not have taken place without the hunting and ranching experiences he fostered while living in the park. Born in New York, his interest in the nation's wilderness areas grew during the years from 1883 to 1897. Roosevelt said of his life in North Dakota that "If it had not been for what I learned during those years here in North Dakota, I would never in the world have been President of the United States". He returned to New York to become Governor of the State of New York in 1898 and President of the United States in 1901. His inauguration at the age of 42 made him the youngest President ever elected (John F. Kennedy was 43).

ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Caprock (soft sandstone)
sculptures found throughout the park.

Memories of Roosevelt's life here are located at the Maltese Cross cabin (behind the Medora visitor center). Roosevelt's first ranch that has been preserved for viewing. Adjacent to this cabin is a museum containing Roosevelt's original ranching equipment.

ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Maltese Cross cabin

The most active and prodigious animals of the park are prairie dogs. Having a seemingly endless supply of energy. Cavorting around their mounds, with select members of their community acting as guards at the mouths of their burrows. Prairie dogs have evolved a distinct social structure that is essential for survival. They maintain a constant vigil for coyotes, badgers, red foxes, hawks, and eagles who all lurk near prairie dog towns.