The Badlands are known for their rugged beauty and striking geologic deposits, which contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. Its 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. Weather here is variable and unpredictable, with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms, and hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.