Typical herpetofauna are the snapping turtle, painted turtle, Great Plains toad, plains hognose snake, and bull snake. Catfish are common in rivers and ponds. The growing season lasts 140 to 150 days. Surface Water Characteristics. There are many small lakes and ponds and a few streams.
Ground water is abundant and of good quality.
The Niobrara, North and Middle Loup, Snake, Dismal, Elkhorn, Calamus, and Cedar Rivers flow through here. Fire, insect and disease are predominant natural disturbances. Nearly all of this area is in large ranches, most of which are grazed. Use of sprinkler irrigation has increased over recent years. Compiled by Rocky Mountain Region.