Environment

In the dry hills, badlands and eroded river valleys in and around Grasslands National Park, a diversity of wildlife, including pronghorns, greater sagegrouse, prairie rattlesnakes and the only remaining black-tailed prairie dog colonies in Canada, can still be found. Cool and warm season grasses cover the upland prairie areas and some of the broad valley lowlands that are also vegetated with sagebrush, greasewood and prickly pear cactus. The treeless, windswept plains evolved with grazing, drought, periodic fire and a variable continental climate. This region is a haven for prairie endemic species that have had their habitat destroyed elsewhere. As a result, there are numerous species at risk associated with Grasslands National Park.

Fossils of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex have been discovered here as part of some of the earliest palaeontological research done in Canada. Park visitors make a special choice to venture off the beaten path to this open expanse to witness and experience Grasslands National Park's unique natural, cultural and palaeontological heritage.