Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Indiahoma, Medicine Park Oklahoma

Where the buffalo roam…

Bison, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Andrew Leggett

It was the hottest day of the year so far, but still a great visit. The American Bison (Bison bison) was near extinction before being rescued and brought here around the early 1900’s. It is North American’s largest land mammal.

Bison, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Andrew Leggett

The bulls can weigh 2,000lbs and the cows half of that.  All descendants are from the small number brought here.

We were greeted by a mix of Longhorns and Bison as we entered the refuge, lazing about and enjoy the grass.

Bison, Wichita MountainsWildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The reserve caters for their munching several grass species.  Seeing all of the mixed grasses was a treat coming from Austin Texas, where green grasses are not seen unless imported.

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gone from the area were the native American Elk (Cervus elaphus). They were brought back from the Rocky mountains and can be seen in the early morning or evening.   The bull’s mating sounds can be heard in September. Elk are herbivores with teeth known as “whistlers” which are made of the only true North American ivory. We did not see or hear them during this visit, nor did we see the White-tailed Deer  (Odocoileus virginianus) that make the refuge their home.

Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Prairie Dogs Wichita Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Eastern Collared Lizard, Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd