North Dakota is positioning itself as the state for Kiwis hoping to catch some of the US’s most iconic wildlife, especially in spring when its tourism board says the snow recedes and the area becomes a ‘premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts’.
North Dakota Tourism says the state is home to more national wildlife refuges than any other and is known for being uncrowded.
Among the wildlife able to be spot ted are moose, found along river bottoms and in wooded landscapes along the Canadian Border in State Forests such as Turtle Mountain, Mouse River and Tetrault Woods. These massive animals are most active during dawn and dusk, it adds.
North American Bison can be spotted in the North Dakota Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and are most active near sunrise, with the tourism body saying visitors can often find them near prairie dog towns, where they seek out new grass shoots.
The steeper parts of the North Dakota Badlands are home to big horn sheep, the rarest big-game species in the state, found grazing on upland plateau during the day.
Elk can be found at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Little Missouri National Grasslands, most active at dawn and dusk.
Pronghorn Antelope, the fastest land mammal in North America can to be spotted at the Southern end of the Little Missouri National Grasslands, and the tourism body notes these can frequently be seen out in the open throughout the day.
A large group of feral horses also lives in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, found along the southeastern park boundary along Interstate 94.
. . . Eagles
The bald eagle is arguably the most iconic American animal, and for those hoping to spot one, North Dakota Tourism says conservation efforts have seen the population surge to 348 occupied nests documented across 47 counties.
In spring, these birds are known to gather near open water along the Missouri River system, Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake.
. . . Top Tip
Urge clients not to get close to any of these animals, as they can be dangerous. North Dakota Tourism says many of its refuge locations provide infrastructure such as auto tour routes and photography blinds.
This will allow clients to get a front-row seat to the action without disturbing wildlife.
To find out more see HERE.
