Badlands National Park, in South Dakota, has wildlife adapted to rugged terrain and mixed-grass prairie. Among its eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires, bison, bighorn sheep and pronghorns roam the open grasslands. Prairie dogs are a common sight, and their large colonies provide habitat for other species, including the endangered black-footed ferret.
Hawks, eagles, songbirds and migratory birds all use the park, and rattlesnakes and turtles live here as well. Keep reading to see featured photos of Badlands’ wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured Badlands National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.
Badlands Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about Badlands National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
Badlands National Park Species List
The wildlife at Badlands National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Badlands National Park:
Badlands National Park Mammals
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Bison (Bison bison) | Common |
| Badger (Taxidea taxus) | Uncommon |
| Beaver (Castor canadensis) | Occasional |
| Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) | Common |
| Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) | Uncommon |
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) | Common |
| Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Uncommon |
| Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) | Unknown |
| Common Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) | Occasional |
| Coyote (Canis latrans) | Common |
| Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) | Common |
| Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) | Unknown |
| Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis) | Uncommon |
| Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) | Uncommon |
| Horse (Equus caballus) | Occasional |
| Least Chipmunk (Tamias minimus) | Unknown |
| Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) | Unknown |
| Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) | Uncommon |
| Long-legged Myotis Bat (Myotis volans) | Uncommon |
| Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) | Occasional |
| Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) | Rare |
| Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Common |
| Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) | Occasional |
| Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) | Uncommon |
| Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Unknown |
| Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) | Uncommon |
| Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) | Common |
| Raccoon (Procyon lotor) | Common |
| Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) | Uncommon |
| Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) | Unknown |
| Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Uncommon |
| Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) | Uncommon |
| Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) | Uncommon |
| Western Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) | Common |
| Western Small-footed Myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) | Common |
| White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) | Common |
| White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) | Common |
Badlands National Park Birds
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) | Uncommon |
| American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | Rare |
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | Uncommon |
| American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | Common |
| American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) | Common |
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Common |
| American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) | Uncommon |
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | Common |
| American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) | Common |
| American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) | Uncommon |
| American Wigeon (Anas americana) | Uncommon |
| Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) | Uncommon |
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Common |
| Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) | Common |
| Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) | Uncommon |
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Common |
| Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii) | Uncommon |
| Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) | Rare |
| Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) | Uncommon |
| Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) | Uncommon |
| Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) | Uncommon |
| Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Uncommon |
| Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Uncommon |
| Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) | Uncommon |
| Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) | Common |
| Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) | Common |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) | Uncommon |
| Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) | Common |
| Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) | Uncommon |
| Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) | Occasional |
| Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | Common |
| Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri) | Uncommon |
| Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) | Rare |
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | Uncommon |
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Common |
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Common |
| Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) | Rare |
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | Uncommon |
| Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) | Common |
| Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) | Common |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) | Uncommon |
| Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus) | Rare |
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Common |
| Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) | Uncommon |
| Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) | Common |
| Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) | Uncommon |
| Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) | Uncommon |
| Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) | Common |
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Common |
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | Uncommon |
| Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) | Common |
| Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) | Uncommon |
| Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) | Uncommon |
| Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) | Common |
| Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | Uncommon |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | Common |
| Dickcissel (Spiza americana) | Uncommon |
| Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) | Rare |
| Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) | Common |
| Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) | Common |
| Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Screech-owl (Megascops asio) | Uncommon |
| Eurasian Magpie (Pica hudsonia) | Common |
| European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | Uncommon |
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Uncommon |
| Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) | Uncommon |
| Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) | Common |
| Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri) | Rare |
| Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) | Rare |
| Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan) | Uncommon |
| Gadwall (Anas strepera) | Common |
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Common |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Uncommon |
| Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) | Rare |
| Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) | Common |
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | Uncommon |
| Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) | Uncommon |
| Gray-crowned Rosy-finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) | Uncommon |
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Uncommon |
| Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) | Uncommon |
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Common |
| Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) | Uncommon |
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Uncommon |
| Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) | Uncommon |
| Harris’ Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) | Uncommon |
| Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) | Uncommon |
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | Common |
| House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) | Uncommon |
| House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Uncommon |
| House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) | Common |
| Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) | Uncommon |
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Common |
| Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) | Uncommon |
| Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) | Common |
| Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) | Common |
| Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) | Uncommon |
| Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) | Uncommon |
| Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) | Uncommon |
| Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria) | Occasional |
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | Common |
| Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) | Uncommon |
| Lewis’ Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) | Occasional |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) | Uncommon |
| Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) | Uncommon |
| Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) | Uncommon |
| Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) | Uncommon |
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Uncommon |
| MacGillivray’s Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) | Uncommon |
| Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) | Rare |
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Common |
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Uncommon |
| Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) | Common |
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Common |
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | Common |
| Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Rare |
| Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | Uncommon |
| Northern Parula (Parula americana) | Rare |
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | Uncommon |
| Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) | Common |
| Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) | Uncommon |
| Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) | Uncommon |
| Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) | Uncommon |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) | Rare |
| Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata) | Uncommon |
| Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) | Common |
| Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) | Uncommon |
| Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) | Rare |
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Uncommon |
| Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus) | Uncommon |
| Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus) | Rare |
| Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) | Occasional |
| Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) | Common |
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | Occasional |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) | Uncommon |
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Common |
| Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) | Uncommon |
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Common |
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Common |
| Redhead (Aythya americana) | Uncommon |
| Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) | Uncommon |
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | Uncommon |
| Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) | Common |
| Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) | Common |
| Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) | Common |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Uncommon |
| Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) | Common |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) | Uncommon |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | Uncommon |
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | Uncommon |
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) | Uncommon |
| Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) | Common |
| Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) | Uncommon |
| Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) | Common |
| Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) | Uncommon |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) | Uncommon |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) | Common |
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Uncommon |
| Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) | Uncommon |
| Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) | Occasional |
| Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) | Uncommon |
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | Uncommon |
| Sora (Porzana carolina) | Uncommon |
| Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) | Common |
| Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) | Uncommon |
| Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) | Uncommon |
| Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) | Rare |
| Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) | Uncommon |
| Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) | Common |
| Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina) | Uncommon |
| Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) | Common |
| Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) | Uncommon |
| Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) | Uncommon |
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | Common |
| Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) | Uncommon |
| Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) | Common |
| Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) | Uncommon |
| Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) | Uncommon |
| Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) | Rare |
| Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) | Uncommon |
| Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) | Common |
| Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) | Common |
| Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) | Uncommon |
| Western Wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus) | Uncommon |
| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) | Uncommon |
| White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) | Common |
| White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) | Common |
| Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | Uncommon |
| Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) | Uncommon |
| Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) | Uncommon |
| Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) | Common |
| Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Uncommon |
| Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) | Common |
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | Uncommon |
| Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) | Common |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | Rare |
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) | Common |
| Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) | Common |
Badlands National Park Reptiles
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer) | Common |
| Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor) | Common |
| Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) | Common |
| Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) | Common |
| Western Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) | Common |
| Western Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) | Rare |
Badlands National Park Amphibians
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) | Common |
| Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) | Common |
| Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) | Common |
| Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) | Common |
| Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) | Common |
Badlands National Park Fish
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) | Unknown |
| Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) | Unknown |
| Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) | Unknown |
| Flathead Chub (Platygobio gracilis) | Unknown |
| Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) | Unknown |
| Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) | Unknown |
| Plains Minnow (Hybognathus placitus) | Unknown |
| Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) | Unknown |
| River Carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) | Unknown |
| Sand Shiner (Notropis stramineus) | Unknown |
| Sauger (Sander canadensis) | Unknown |
| Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) | Unknown |
| Stonecat (Noturus flavus) | Unknown |
| Sturgeon Chub (Macrhybopsis gelida) | Unknown |
| Western Silver Minnow (Hybognathus argyritis) | Unknown |
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in Badlands National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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