Bears, Bears and Alligators!

Today, we left Deadwood and made our way through Rapid City and on to Hill City where we are staying at The Lodge at Palmer Gulch. But before we got there we went to Bear Country, USA and Reptile Gardens. These two attractions are very close to each other and both very well done. John and I both enjoyed them, but Maddie LOVED them.

We did Bear Country first. This is basically a drive-thru zoo, (my new favorite kind of zoo!). Each section was marked with it's featured animal and the path took us through it's habitat and the animals were free to roam wherever they liked. It was very cool because the animals were used to the cars and most were close to where the cars passed and more than a few were right in the road as we waited for them to pass. (See the arctic wolf on right - he was in no hurry to get off the road.)

They had elk, reindeer, wolves, deer, antelope, bears - lots of bears, and a tiny herd of bison. Once you drove through the park they had a walking area called "Babyland" where we saw some baby bear cubs and smaller animals it they're collection. The most interesting was the badger. He was very active when saw him.

My connection is slowing down because of the pictures. I'll post this one and talk about Reptile World a little later. Ciao for now!