Tag Archives: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Indiahoma, Medicine Park Oklahoma

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Where the buffalo roam…

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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

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 Mountains Wildlife Refuge

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

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

 

The Texas  Longhorn Cattle were brought to preserve the culture of its breed.
Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Longhorn Cattle, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

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.

We climbed Mt Scott…in our Kia Sedona to gander all around the mountains and down at Medicine Park just outside of the refuge, and where we chose to stay.
Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Mt Scott, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

The prairie is sheltered by the two granite mountain ranges, the Wichita mountains, with a rich geological history. Our visit to Prairie Town was a huge success, as we were able to watch several Blacktail Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) go about their business.
Prairie Dogs Wichita Wildlife Refuge

Prairie Dogs Wichita Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Nicki Hurd

On the rock outcroppings we spotted the eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris).
Eastern Collared Lizard, Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge

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

 May 2013