Initial Publication Date: October 5, 2006

Climate and Biota of the Crow Reservation

This page was written by Erin Klauk as part of the DLESE Community Services Project: Integrating Research in Education. Funding was provided in part by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Mule deer in southern MT. Details

The climate on the Crow reservation varies from humid above 7,000 feet in the Bighorn Mountains, with 24 inches of annual precipitation, to semi-arid around 2,900 feet near Hardin, with 12 inches of annual precipitation. Because of this variation, the vegetation ranges from conifer forests to grasslands. Approximately 75% of the precipitation falls from March through July. The growing season ranges from 115 days at Busby, 123 days at Hardin, 126 days at Wyola, to 135 days at Crow Agency. This southcentral portion of Montana enjoys "Indian Summers" which frequently extend into November, when there are warm sunny days and cool evenings. The mean annual temperature is 45.5oF with a summer high of 110oF and a winter low of -48oF. For more information about the climate of this area, click here (more info) .

It is estimated that 79 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, five species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles, and 19 species of fish are found on the Crow reservation at some time during the year. Most of these species are non-game wildlife. Big game species include pronghorn antelope, elk, white-tailed and mule deer, buffalo, and black bear (Crow Indian Tribe: Wildlife Resources Report (more info) ).


Bison herd in southern MT. Details

To further investigate the climate and biota of the Crow Nation, follow the links below.

Climate of the Crow Reservation

Resources containing information about the climate of the Crow reservation.

Flora of the Crow Reservation

Resources containing information about the flora of the Crow reservation.

Fauna of the Crow Reservation

Resources containing information about the fauna of the Crow reservation.

 

For ideas on how to use these webpages in a classroom, a Study Guide is provided.