Autumn is a busy time for prairie wildlife. Elk begin "bugling" -- their signature mating call -- in September and October. The "bugle" sounds like a distinctive, high-pitched squeal. Anyone hearing this distinctive sound in person will be amazed that it was made by an elk!

Deer begin their rut (mating season) in October through mid-November as well. Both deer and elk are rubbing the velvet from their antlers in preparation for the fall mating season. Trees rubbed bare of bark several feet off the ground are a good sign that an animal was polishing its antlers recently.

All wildlife, from the smallest chipmunk to the largest bison have begun putting on weight, preparing for winter temperatures. Smaller mammals such as mice and squirrels are quite active at this time as well, collecting nuts and seeds for their winter storehouses. Mice are building winter beds underground.

As the weather cools, snakes seek out the warmth of our blacktop road. The radiating heat of the pavement attracts many prairie reptiles, which are cold-blooded creatures. Anyone who lives in a rural area may have come across reptiles "sunning" themselves on a country road, as well. Reptiles play a very important role in all ecosystems. If you come across a snake stretched across the road at LBL's prairie or anywhere else, remember: it's just trying to get warm! Don't harass it, or run over it with your car. Treat all animals with respect.