Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - Animals

Once America's Serengeti

" In one view saw buffalo, elk, deer, cabrie [pronghorn antelope], and panthers".

-- Zebulon Pike Journal entry--September 12 1806,

while passing within eleven miles of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Prairie blanketed millions of acres of America's heartland 196 years ago when Zebulon Pike made this journal entry. It stretched from the Gulf of Mexico North to Canada. It provided a vast integrated habitat for massive herds of grazing buffalo and other species that no longer reproduce naturally in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Yet still, The Flint Hills of Kansas remain a haven for wildlife by offering food sources unavailable elsewhere.

Though some species have disappeared, such as buffalo and panthers, others thrive in the Kansas flint hills. You may still spot a coyote, a jackrabbit, or a white-tailed deer while walking the nature trails of the preserve. Red-tailed Hawks, falcons and the majestic Golden Eagle may soar high above you as they keenly scan the ground for prey.

Once a symbol of the Old West, some authors have estimated that there were between 30 - 60 million American Bison (commonly called buffalo) roaming these once vast prairies. Today bison are used to help restore prairies. Bison help prairies by "rubbing out" trees, treading on seeds with their sharp hooves, and creating disturbed ground where new plants can grow.

From the last Saturday in April through the last Sunday in October, ranger-led prairie bus tours are provided. This offers an opportunity to experience the prairie first-hand where you will see (among other things) ancient buffalo wallows.