Migration hotspot for waterfowl and shorebirds. American Avocet, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, American White Pelican, Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe, Belted Kingfisher (Bear Butte Lake), flocks of Gray Partridge, and Sharp-tailed Grouse near the campground, nesting Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch can be sporadic during winter at the top of the butte and near the Visitor Center. Spotted Towhee, Field Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Long-eared Owl in wooded draws on the way to Visitor Center. Rusty Blackbirds in the fall. Rails, Peregrine Falcons, Rock Wrens, Black-bellied and Semipalmated plovers, and Mountain Bluebirds. Rarities: Clark’s Grebe, Horned Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, scoters.

Mato Paha or "Bear Mountain" is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshippers and their religious practices.

Many American Indians see Bear Butte as a place where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer.

During your visit, you will see colorful pieces of cloth and small bundles or pouches hanging from the trees. These prayer cloths and tobacco ties represent the prayers offered by individuals during their worship. Please respect these offerings and leave them undisturbed.

Bear Butte, elevation 4,400 feet, rises steeply above the prairie. Grassland, a small lake, marsh, deciduous trees, pines, shrubby draws, a steep butte with tree-lined draws, and rocky cliffs.