The Coteau des Prairies and glacial lakes region was a wonderful habitat for wildlife, and records kept by the post surgeon, who also served as the post naturalist, show that human interference had a significant impact. By 1876, Captain Bennett prohibited the hunting of prairie chickens on the military reservation because their numbers were declining rapidly, in what is believed to be the first conservation proclamation issued in what is now northeast South Dakota. Elk, buffalo, large grey wolf, black bear, otter, and marten were among the animals listed in the surgeon’s reports that are no longer found in this region, while deer, red fox, badger, skunk, weasel, beaver, rabbit, ground squirrel, and muskrat are still common today. Today, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks supports wildlife with feeding plots and stations south and west of the fort grounds.