National Prairie Day: Animals that Roam the Grasslands

A prairie is a large, open, grassy area of flat land or gently rolling hills. These expansive landscapes are found throughout North America, particularly in the central, interior regions. Prairies support a vast array of wildlife, including some fascinating species.

Because prairies are full of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and seeds, the animals that inhabit these regions are often herbivorous, or largely so. They spend their days grazing on the land.

This slideshow is in honor of National Prairie Day and is dedicated to the animals of the prairie. We cover several different species, including their diet, interesting facts, and a short description. You can likely name a few animals on this list, but we bet a few might surprise you as well. Click through to learn about life on the prairie.

• Description: small, agile fox with ears much larger than its body
• Diet: tiny mammals, birds, and insects
• Fun fact: These miniature canines are exceptional diggers and can make tunnels 10 feet deep.

• Description: little owl species; they nest in burrows
• Diet: small reptiles, mammals, and insects
• Fun fact: They have been known to place feces at the entrance to their burrow to attract beetles as an easy meal.

• Description: an endangered, slender carnivore that is active at night
• Diet: prairie dogs
• Fun fact: They were once extinct in the wild but have recovered thanks to conservation efforts. However, they remain one of the most endangered animals in North America.

• Description: small, burrowing rodent
• Diet: seeds, roots, grasses, and flowers
• Fun fact: These little guys have a complex language they use to communicate, with specific calls designated for each predator.

• Description: large, hump-backed herbivore with an impressive build
• Diet: grasses, sedges, and prairie plants
• Fun fact: These animals can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds. Despite their size, they can run up to 35 mph.

• Description: vivid yellow songbird with a black V on their chest
• Diet: seeds and insects
• Fun fact: Their flute-like tunes vary regionally, almost like human accents.

• Description: fast-running, hooved animal with distinctive curved horns
• Diet: shrubs, grasses, and forbs
• Fun fact: second-fastest land animals on the planet (first place goes to the cheetah)

• Description: medium sized bird known for elaborate mating rituals
• Diet: insects, seeds, and leaves
• Fun fact: males gather in groups for competitive dances during mating season