The pronghorn is the fastest animal in North America, having been clocked at 70 mph. The habit of burrowing is widespread on the grasslands. The most obvious burrowing animal is the prairie dog. Burrows provide excellent shelter from predators and the weather extremes. Prairie dog colonies, or towns, are great places to see wildlife since they attract a variety of other species including swift fox and the endangered black-footed ferret, for which recovery plans are underway.
Water is the lifeblood of the prairie.
Annual precipitation, either snow or rain, primarily determines how productive the land is on an annual basis. Average precipitation is 15 inches, thus, grasses and other plants adapted to a semi-arid environment are the rule. Trees and shrubs are found almost exclusively along river drainages and intermittent creeks. The long, narrow fingers of woody draws are a sharp contrast to the open grasslands and provide critical habitat for many woodland wildlife species. As with any outdoor activity, proper planning and equipment are necessary and can make the difference between a delightful experience and a disaster.