Mammals of Northwestern South Dakota

Nestled among the rolling hills, sage‑covered flats, and striking buttes of northwestern South Dakota, this study shines a light on a region whose mammalian diversity has long been overlooked. The authors weave together the county’s geologic history, climate patterns, and vegetation into a vivid backdrop for the wildlife that calls this prairie‑borderland home.

Within Harding County’s 2,700 square miles, more than fifty mammal species make their lives amidst short grasses, sparse woodlands, and the winding courses of the Little Missouri and Grand Rivers. From the nimble prairie dog colonies and resilient mule deer to the elusive coyote and the iconic pronghorn, the narrative captures the everyday rhythms of these animals as they adapt to the harsh winters and dry summers of the interior grasslands.

Drawing on meticulous field observations and decades of climate data, the authors present a clear, accessible portrait of the region’s fauna. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for how the land’s unique physiography shapes the lives of its residents, offering a compelling glimpse into an often‑forgotten corner of the Great Plains.