Prairie Dogs and Rain at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Just got back from my annual pilgrimage to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma! This year’s trip (May 28th – June 1st, 2024) was extra special because I missed out last year. My favorite spot to camp, Camp Doris, was undergoing a much-needed shower/restroom renovation, so I had to postpone my visit.

For those unfamiliar, I camp out of a Teardrop Camper, a cozy little rig you can learn more about here: [Nature’s Beauty in a Teardrop Camper].

This year, Mother Nature decided to join the party, throwing in a few rainy days. While you might not think rain is ideal for camping, it kept the temperatures delightfully cool, a welcome change from the usual Oklahoma heat.

As soon as I set up camp that first night, I couldn’t resist a quick drive around the refuge. And what do you know, the Black-tailed Prairie Dogs were out and about, ready for their close-up! These charismatic critters are practically a guarantee at the Wichita Mountains, so I figured they’d be a perfect way to kick off this blog series.

Here’s the dirt on Black-tailed Prairie Dogs at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge:

• Reintroduced Rockstars: The refuge has actually brought these prairie dogs back after they were wiped out in the area. Conservation efforts FTW!
• Underground Architects: These little guys live in elaborate underground cities called “towns.” Imagine tunnels stretching over 50 feet long, with rooms for sleeping, storing snacks, and…well, you get the idea.
• Ecosystem Engineers: Prairie dogs are keystone species, meaning their presence has a huge impact on the health of the entire ecosystem. They create habitats for other animals and provide a food source for some predators.
• Social Butterflies (…or Prairie Dogs?): These social rodents communicate with complex barks and greetings, keeping their colony in the loop.
• Reintroduction Champs (with an Asterisk): The refuge has successfully brought back the prairie dogs, but attempts to reintroduce other species like pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep haven’t been as lucky.
• A Shadow of Their Former Selves: Sadly, prairie dog populations have plummeted by 90-98% across their range due to disease, habitat loss, and past control efforts. Thankfully, conservation efforts are helping them bounce back.
• Prime Prairie Dog Viewing: The refuge has special areas set up for visitors to observe these fascinating creatures and their social interactions.

On a slightly somber note, one of the larger prairie dog towns within the refuge seems to have met an unfortunate end. A refuge employee informed me that this particular town had suffered a significant die-off.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing more photos and adventures from my trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Stay tuned!