Wildlife Viewing - North Unit

The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park not only offers incredible vistas, but some amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Staying in your vehicle on the scenic drive, you wind through the broken Little Missouri badlands, where bison and bighorn sheep graze the prairies and cliff edges. Hiking the wilderness trails can lead to unique birding spots, or offer the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the rarer North Unit residents, like moose or mountain lions. With more than 80% of the North Unit designated as wilderness, there is no shortage of places to explore. Be bison aware - respect the wildlife and view them from a distance. Stay at least 75 feet from large animals like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep, and twice this distance from any predators. It is illegal to harass or feed any wildlife. The park is home to one species of venomous snake, the prairie rattlesnake. These snakes will avoid or ignore humans unless surprised or provoked. Do not attempt to capture or kill snakes. It is illegal to harm any wildlife in a national park. It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well. It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.