Wheatland in Platte County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Wildlife Diversity
Wyomings Wildlife
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015
1. Wildlife Diversity Marker
The Laramie Mountains provide a striking contrast for those traveling through the primarily flat to rolling prairies of southeastern Wyoming. Mountains are important to wildlife in Wyoming. As you go up in elevation, the average annual temperature declines, and the average annual precipitation increases. The rugged terrain in the mountains provides south-facing slopes that get an abundance of sunlight, and north-facing slopes that get very little. As you travel, take note of the fact that most trees grow on the north slope, where snow accumulates and soil moisture lasts longer. Rough, rugged terrain provides a variety of holes, cracks and crevices which can be used by animals as dens or nesting areas, and places out of the wind where soil accumulates and different plants can grow. These, in turn, attract a variety of animals. A greater variety of habitats or homes means a greater variety of animals.
Contrasting vegetation, topography and large wide-open spaces make Wyoming a home to over 600 species of wildlife which are “Worth the Watching”.
Erected by State of Wyoming.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 42° 14.055′ N, 105° 1.18′ W. Marker is in Wheatland, Wyoming, in Platte County. It is at the intersection of Interstate 25 and U.S. 26, on the left when traveling south on Interstate 25. Marker is located in the Dwyer Junction Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wheatland WY 82201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Laramie Basin and in the Westward Expansion Trails Region. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Empire, an African American Homesteader Community (here, next to this marker); No Greater Love (a few steps from this marker); Open Spaces Sustained by Agriculture (about 400 feet away, measured
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015
2. Wildlife Diversity Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015
3. Wildlife Diversity Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 499 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
