Near Lusk in Niobrara County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Breaks in the Prairie

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 7, 2016

1. Breaks in the Prairie Marker

Inscription. Rawhide Buttes in front of you is an island habitat within the shortgrass prairie. Because the Buttes contain forest habitat, they support different species of wildlife than the surrounding prairie. Elk, deer, turkeys, bobcats and mountain lions are found on the buttes. Historically, elk were native to this area but were killed off as food when the area was settled. In the 1960s the Game and Fish Department transplanted elk to reestablish the herd. The elk continue to thrive in their native environment. Both mule deer and white-tailed deer are found in this area. Mule deer were not found here until the 1920s; and white-tailed deer appeared in the 1950s. Changes in the area due to agricultural development provided additional water sources, forage and predator control for wildlife. Mountain lions, also called cougars, pumas or panthers, can be found in various habitats throughout Wyoming. The key to the presence of mountain lions is the existence of deer or elk. Mountain lions may kill sick or injured animals, thus improving the overall health of elk and deer herds.

Erected by Wyoming Fish and Game Department.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Features.

Location. 42° 44.882′ N, 104° 28.9′ W. Marker is near Lusk, Wyoming, in Niobrara County. It is on U.S. 18 at milepost 39 near Silver Springs Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3925 U.S Highway 18, Lusk WY 82225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Laramie Basin. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lusk Rest Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Cheyenne-Deadwood Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Lathrop (about 500 feet away); The C & H Refinery (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Iron Clad Store (approx.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 7, 2016

2. Breaks in the Prairie Marker

1.7 miles away); The Lusk House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Wyoming National Guard Armory (approx. 1.8 miles away); Niobrara County Courthouse (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lusk.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Oldest Building in Lusk (was approx. 1.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Lusk Rest Area, about 1 1/2 miles west of Lusk on U.S.Highway 18 (also U.S. Highway 20).

Regarding Breaks in the Prairie. breaks: an interruption of continuity or uniformity.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 884 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.