Fire has been used to control invasions of woody plants and exotic weeds. Many live there almost exclusively. The latter species is the prairie ballerina, which, clad in a yellow skirt, dances gaily with the wind all the way across midsummer. A traveler on one of these trails can never be quite sure what form of animal life he might encounter next. Practically any indigenous mammal is likely to appear from time to time.
Deer are plentiful and almost anything of lesser stature has been seen on a trail by someone.
At least one black bear has also left his calling card. Bird life, from ruby-throated hummingbirds to bald eagles, is abundant. One must not forget our reptiles or amphibians, either. Various frogs and toads are hard to miss because of their vocalizations during mating season, with the toads making the best music. Turtles, including the uncommon Blanding's, may sometimes be found along the trails as they search for suitable spots to lay eggs.