Which animals historically lived in North American prairie grasslands?

Historically, North American prairie grasslands supported a diverse array of wildlife, characterized primarily by large grazing mammals and various smaller species adapted to the open landscape.

Large Grazing Mammals

The most iconic inhabitants were the immense herds of bison, which served as a cornerstone of the ecosystem and the economy of the Plains Indians. Alongside them, the pronghorn was a common large herbivore that continues to inhabit the region today.1234

Predators and Small Animals

• Predators: The gray wolf was the primary predator of the large grazing herds.4
• Burrowing Animals: The prairie dog is a well-known inhabitant of these grasslands, often living in colonies. Other widespread burrowing mammals included the badger and various species of rodents, rabbits, and hares.1245
• Birds and Reptiles: The landscape supported species such as prairie chickens and rattlesnakes.25
• Invertebrates: Grasshoppers have historically been, and remain, a particularly significant component of the prairie biomass.45

While many of these species, such as the bison and wolf, were drastically reduced or displaced following European settlement, several smaller animals like the coyote and various birds have adapted to the altered landscape.25