Wildlife Of Grasslands National Park: A Sanctuary For Prairie Species

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An illustration of a fictional flag. Embroidered on the flag is the sun setting behind a shield. There is an image of a plant with blue water and blue sky behind it. Grasslands National Park is written on the shield.

Grasslands National Park, located in southern Saskatchewan, is one of Canada’s mfost ecologically significant protected areas. Unlike the country’s mountainous or forested parks, Grasslands preserves a rare and fragile ecosystem—the mixed-grass prairie—and proovides a vital refuge for an array of wildlife, including endangered species, iconic mammals, and unique birds.

Here’s a closer look at the incredible animals that call this park home.

Iconic Mammals Of The Prairie

Bison(Bison bison)

  • Status: Reintroduced (2005), thriving population
  • Best Places to See: Frenchman Valley, West Block
  • Interesting Fact: Bison were nearly extinct in Canada by the late 1800s. Their return to Grasslands National Park marks a major conservation success. These massive grazers shape the prairie ecosystem by maintaining grasslands and creating habitats for other species.

Pronghorn Antelope(Antilocapra americana)

  • Status: Common
  • Best Time To See: Spring and fall
  • Interesting Fact: Pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in North America, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h (55 mph). They rely on the park’s open terrain to evade predators.

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog(Cynomys ludovicianus)

  • Status: Keystone species (vital for ecosystem health)
  • Best Places To See: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog towns near the Ecotour Road
  • Interesting Fact: These highly social rodents live in large underground colonies called “towns.” Their burrows provide shelter for other animals, including Burrowing Owls and snakes.

Swift Fox(Vulpes velox)

  • Status: Endangered (one of Canada’s rarest mammals)
  • Best Time to See: Dawn or dusk
  • Interesting Fact: Once extinct in Canada, Swift Foxes were reintroduced in the 1980s. Grasslands National Park is now one of the few places where they can still be found.
  1. Coyote(Canis latrans) & American Badger(Taxidea taxus)
  • Status: Common
  • Interesting Fact: Coyotes and American Badgers sometimes hunt together—an unusual partnership where American Badgers dig out prey, and Coyotes chase it down.

Birds Of Prey & Grassland Birds

Grasslands National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 recorded species, including several at-risk birds.

Burrowing Owl(Athene cunicularia)

  • Status: Endangered
  • Best Time To See: May to September
  • Interesting Fact: These small owls don’t dig their own burrows—they rely on abandoned Black-Tailed Prairie Dog tunnels for nesting.

Ferruginous Hawk(Buteo regalis)

  • Status: Threatened
  • Best Places To See: Soaring over open grasslands
  • Interesting Fact: The largest hawk in North America, it preys on ground squirrels and rabbits.

Golden Eagle(Aquila chrysaetos)

  • Status: Rare but present
  • Interesting Fact: These powerful raptors hunt small mammals.

Reptiles, Insects & Other Unique Wildlife

Prairie Rattlesnake(Crotalus viridis)

    • Status: A species of concern
    • Best Time to See: Warm summer days
    • Interesting Fact: The park’s only venomous snake, it plays a key role in controlling rodent populations.

    Mormon Metalmark Butterfly(Mormon metalmark)

    • Status: Rare
    • Interesting Fact: This striking orange-and-black butterfly depends on wild buckwheat plants, which grow in the park’s arid regions.

    Tiger Salamander(Ambystoma tigrinum)

    • Status: Common in wetter areas
    • Interesting Fact: These amphibians breed in temporary ponds formed by spring rains.

    Conservation Challenges

    Many species in Grasslands National Park are threatened by habitat loss and invasive species. Key conservation efforts include:

    • Bison reintroduction (helping restore grassland health)
    • Black-Tailed Prairie Dog protection (maintaining a keystone species)
    • Habitat restoration (controlling invasive plants)

    Best Wildlife Viewing Tips

    • Early morning and dusk are the best times to see animals.
    • Drive slowly along Ecotour Road for Bison, Pronghorns, and Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs.
    • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and distant wildlife spotting.
    • Respect distance —never approach Bison or other large animals.

    Final Thoughts

    Grasslands National Park is a living showcase of Canada’s prairie wildlife, from thundering Bison herds to tiny Burrowing Owls. By visiting, you support conservation efforts that keep these species thriving for future generations.

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