live cams: plains bison and prairie dogs

DIM

Close

plains bison and prairie dogs

Bison are the largest indigenous land mammal on the North American continent. Considered a keystone species, these wooly herbivores helped shaped the ecology of the Great Plains today. At least 80% of Canada's native prairie has been lost, yet at Grasslands National Park there is a flourishing herd of plains bison that freely roam their native prairie.

Two web cams have been installed in the West Block of Grasslands National Park near the watering hole and Ecotour Black Tailed Prairie Dog Colony. These cameras will provide insight into the daily life of the plains bison, the black-tailed prairie dogs and other predatory animals. A prescribed burn was completed in April to help with the greening process of the prairie grasses to attract bison to the watering hole area.

Grasslands National Park is home to a unique blend of prairie-adapted common and endangered species from the Pronghorn Antelope, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, and Ferruginous Hawk to the Prairie Rattlesnake and Greater Short-horned Lizard. Grasslands and the area immediately around the park are the only places in Canada where Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and Black-footed Ferrets exist in their native habitat.

Parks Canada's Mandate:

On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

  • topic: bison

  • location: val marie

More info Pop-out Player

live cams: plains bison and prairie dogs

Bison are the largest indigenous land mammal in North America. Considered a keystone species, these wooly herbivores helped shaped the ecology of the Great Plains today. Though 80% of Canada's native prairie has been lost, Grasslands National Park represents the most intact example of what remains with a flourishing herd of nearly 200 bison that freely roam their native prairie.

Grasslands National Park preserves a mixed-grass ecosystem of over 70 different species of grass and over 50 different species of wildflowers. Grasslands is the only place in Canada where you can see the Black-tailed Prairie Dog and the Black-footed Ferret and Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers in their native habitat.

about

location: Val Marie, SK, Canada

best viewing hours: 5:00am – 8:00pm

time zone: Central Time

related links: Parks Canada: Grasslands National Park
Bison Update

did you know?

For centuries herds of bison were for the Plains Indians a ­necessity: its flesh served as meat; its hide for shelter, clothing, boats, and drums; its bones for tools and weaponry; its sinew for bowstring; its dung for campfire fuel; its skull for ceremonies.

did you know?

According to some estimates, there may have been 50 million to 60 million bison when Columbus arrived in North America.

did you know?

By 1900 bison were at the verge of extinction because of overhunting and the advance of the agricultural frontier.

did you know?

The endangered Burrowing Owl will use abandoned Prairie Dog burrows for a nest.

did you know?

In less than one century the native grasslands have become one of the most endangered biomes in the world.

did you know?

Grasslands is home to the Black-footed Ferret – often considered North America’s most endangered mammal.

did you know?

There are over 12,000 ancient teepee rings within Grasslands National Park.

did you know?

The East Block Badlands are the richest resource for dinosaur fossils in Canada.

did you know?

In October 2009, Grasslands National Park was designated The Darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada.

did you know?

Pronghorn Antelope, which are found in Grasslands, are the fastest land animal in North America.

did you know?

The Plains Bison feeds primarily in the early morning and late afternoon, often ranging over several miles.

did you know?

Bison have poor eyesight but an acute sense of hearing and smell.

did you know?

Bison mainly eat grasses and sedges.

did you know?

Female bison, or cows, lead family groups.

did you know?

Bulls remain solitary or in small groups for most of the year, but rejoin the group during mating season.

did you know?

Bison often wallow, creating a saucer-like depression which they use to shed their thick winter coat and combat insects.

did you know?

In winter, bison can dig through deep snow with their heads to reach the vegetation below.

did you know?

Bison can reach speeds of up to 35 mph.

did you know?

A bison's winter coat is so thick and well insulated that snow can cover their backs without melting.

did you know?

Mating season for Plains Bison is June-September, with peak activity in July-August.

did you know?

Gestation period is 270-285 days. Calf is born April-May.

did you know?

The Plains Bison, also known as the American Buffalo, and are in the same order that includes cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

did you know?

Plains Bison bull may measure some 6 1/2 feet at the shoulder and 11 or 12 feet from the head to the rump and may weigh as much as a ton.

did you know?

Typically, the Plains Bison cow is about 10-15 % smaller than the bull.

did you know?

Bison calves are reddish brown when born, weigh 30- 70 lbs, and can walk within a few hours.

did you know?

Bison cows nurse their calf for perhaps seven months before it is completely weaned.

did you know?

A year old bison calf can weigh as much as 400 lbs.

did you know?

A young bull will reach sexual maturity within about six years, a young cow, within two to three years.

did you know?

During the breeding seasons, the bulls bellow, producing a sound that can be heard from several miles away.
1 / 12
MORE PHOTOS
1 / 1
SLIDESHOW:
MORE VIDEOS
1 / 1
VIDEO:

Bison are the largest indigenous land mammal on the North American continent. Considered a keystone species, these wooly herbivores helped shaped the ecology of the Great Plains today. At least 80% of Canada's native prairie has been lost, yet at Grasslands National Park there is a flourishing herd of plains bison that freely roam their native prairie.

Two web cams have been installed in the West Block of Grasslands National Park near the watering hole and Ecotour Black Tailed Prairie Dog Colony. These cameras will provide insight into the daily life of the plains bison, the black-tailed prairie dogs and other predatory animals. A prescribed burn was completed in April to help with the greening process of the prairie grasses to attract bison to the watering hole area.

Grasslands National Park is home to a unique blend of prairie-adapted common and endangered species from the Pronghorn Antelope, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, and Ferruginous Hawk to the Prairie Rattlesnake and Greater Short-horned Lizard. Grasslands and the area immediately around the park are the only places in Canada where Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and Black-footed Ferrets exist in their native habitat.

Parks Canada's Mandate:

On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

explore news

comments powered by Disqus