North Dakota is known for its sweeping plains, rugged badlands, and a diverse array of wildlife that thrives in its varied ecosystems that embody the Upper Midwest and Great Plains. While the Peace Garden State’s nickname might lend the illusion of a tranquil natural wonderland devoid of danger, North Dakota’s ecosystem is actually quite the contrary- before you go hiking or driving in North Dakota, check this rundown of its deadliest animals first so you’re prepared and educated for whatever you might encounter.

American Bison

The American bison(Bison bison) is a massive mammal with a thick coat of dark brown fur, a large hump on its shoulders, and a pair of short, curved horns. Bison are commonly found in open grasslands and plains throughout North Dakota, particularly in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Despite their seemingly docile appearance, bison can be extremely dangerous if they feel threatened or provoked. They are known to charge at high speeds, and their sheer size and strength can cause severe injuries or even death. Keep a safe distance from bison, and never approach them for a closer look or a photograph. If you find yourself too close to a bison, slowly and calmly back away. Be especially vigilant on rural roads in their territory, as they could total your car (not to mention kill you).

Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider(Latrodectus mactans) is easily recognized by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen that sparks fear in the beholder. These spiders prefer dark, sheltered areas and can often be found in woodpiles, garages, and sheds throughout North Dakota. The black widow’s venom is highly toxic and can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and even paralysis. While bites are rarely fatal to healthy adults, they can be extremely dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Wear gloves when handling firewood or cleaning out garages and sheds, and be cautious when reaching into dark areas or under ledges. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately, ESPECIALLY if you’re immunocompromised.

Deer Tick

Deer ticks(Ixodes scapularis) are small, with a reddish-brown body and dark legs. Adult ticks are about the size of a sesame seed and are widespread across North Dakota, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, which can cause serious health problems, including debilitating and potentially chronic joint pain, neurological issues, and heart problems. Use insect repellent containing DEET when spending time outdoors, especially in tick-prone areas. Wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to ensure minimal exposure to skin. After being outdoors, check your body and clothing for ticks and remove any promptly. They love to brush onto you while in tall grass, and their size makes them especially difficult to find– be thorough in your tick checks!

Cougar

The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as the mountain lion, is a large, slender cat with a tawny coat, a white underbelly, and a long tail. Cougars are mostly found in the western part of North Dakota, particularly in the badlands and forested areas. Cougars are powerful predators capable of taking down large prey with strong bites and razor-sharp claws. While attacks on humans are rare, they can occur if the cougar feels threatened or is starving. Avoid hiking alone in cougar territory, especially at dawn or dusk. Keep children and pets close to you. If you encounter a cougar, make yourself appear larger, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly. Do not run– it will chase you, and it will win.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Similar to the Western rattlesnake, the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) has a light brown to greenish-gray color with darker blotches and a distinct rattle at the end of its tail. Prairie rattlesnakes are found throughout the western and central regions of North Dakota, especially in grasslands and prairies. Like its western counterpart, the prairie rattlesnake’s venom is dangerous and can lead to severe medical complications if bitten. Take the same precautions as with the Western rattlesnake. Stay on designated trails, be mindful of where you step or reach, and always keep an ear out for that tell-tale rattle.

Moose

Moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family, with long legs, a humped back, a dark brown coat, and massive antlers in males. Moose are found in the forested and wetland areas of North Dakota, particularly in the Turtle Mountains and along the Canadian border. Moose can be extremely aggressive, particularly during the rutting season or if they feel their young are threatened. Their large size and powerful legs make them capable of causing severe injuries or fatalities. Maintain a safe distance from moose, especially if you see calves nearby. If a moose charges, try to find a solid object like a tree or vehicle to place between you and the animal.

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is brown and has a violin-shaped mark on its back. These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas (hence the name recluse) and are found in homes, garages, and storage sheds across North Dakota. The venom of the brown recluse can cause necrotic wounds that may take weeks or months to heal. Severe bites can lead to systemic symptoms and, in rare cases, death. Keep your home and outbuildings clean and free of clutter. Similar to the Black Widow, gloves should be used when reaching into dark or rarely used spaces. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Mosquitoes (Several Species)

While many consider the mosquito more a pest than a danger, these biting, blood-sucking insects are vectors for several diseases. North Dakota has over 40 different species of mosquitoes, and a few have been positively confirmed to have West Nile Virus (WNV), a potentially deadly disease. Other diseases they potentially carry include St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Distinctive for their whine and biting activity around dawn and dusk, mosquitos are best defended against via a good offense: eliminate standing water around your home to reduce larvae, and use bug spray with DEET or protective clothing when outside.

White Tailed Deer

Anyone who has driven a highway for any length in the United States knows full well that though white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are herbivores, they can be dangerous. With a light brown coat, antlers for males, and a fluffy white tail that earns it its name, the white-tailed deer ranges throughout North Dakota, from remote wilderness to genteel suburb. This is its danger: its territory often intersects with roads, and deer-precipitated crashes can prove deadly not just for the deer but also for the driver, particularly on highways at high speed. There’s not much avoiding them; simply be vigilant while driving and always turn your brights on long, uninhabited roads where deer might be bold.

Coyote

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are medium-sized canines with a grayish-brown coat, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. While they might seem cute, they can also pose a severe danger to you and especially your pets. These trash-loving scavengers are adaptable and can be found throughout North Dakota in both rural and suburban areas. Coyotes are opportunistic predators and will attack pets and, in rare instances, humans. They can also carry diseases like rabies, which are dangerous to humans and pets. Do not leave food or garbage outside that might attract coyotes. Keep pets indoors, especially at night. If you encounter a coyote, make loud noises and try to appear larger to scare it away.

North Dakota’s landscape is as diverse as its wildlife, presenting both beauty and danger. While the animals listed above are indeed dangerous, understanding their behavior and taking proper precautions can significantly reduce the risk of negative encounters. By respecting these animals’ habitats and learning to coexist safely, we can enjoy North Dakota’s natural wonders while minimizing the potential for harm. Remember always to keep a safe distance, be aware of your surroundings, and follow the recommended safety guidelines when exploring the great outdoors.

The US North Dakota District Court ruled Thursday that women have a constitutional right to pre-viability abortion under the constitutional interests in life, liberty, and happiness. South Central District Judge Bruce A. Romanick declared that the Amended Abortion Ban was unconstitutionally void for vagueness.

This ruling invalidates the Amended Abortion Ban, one of the strictest abortion bans in the US, which only allowed abortions where a woman’s life or health is at serious risk; or in cases of rape and incest if the pregnancy was less than six weeks along. Subject to further appeal, the right to abortion is now constitutionally protected in North Dakota.

Judge Romanick applied the “living constitution” doctrine to interpret the rights to life, liberty, and happiness guaranteed by North Dakota Constitution. He affirmed that the state constitution is a “living, breathing, vital instrument, adaptable to the needs of the day, and was so intended by the people when adopted.” Romanick also recognized that the North Dakota Constitution was drafted in a time when women were not viewed as full and equal citizens.

The court recognized that pregnancy profoundly affects the health and life of a woman and that the constitutional protections to life, liberty, and happiness should encompass a woman’s procreative autonomy. While the court acknowledged North Dakota’s history in informing constitutional interpretation, it held that “in and around 1889, North Dakota did deprive women of significant liberty interests and interests regarding their health.” However, Judge Romanick stated that this view should no longer apply in modern times.

Tammi Kromenaker, Director of Red River’s Women’s Clinic, a plaintiff in the case, stated:

I feel like the court heard us when we raised our voices against a law that not only ran counter to our state constitution, but was too vague for physicians to interpret and which prevented them from providing the high quality care that our communities are entitled to.

The Amended Abortion Ban was North Dakota’s second attempt at banning abortion. The first was attempted in 2022 and blocked by the state’s highest court in Wrigley v Romanick. This led to the current bill, which repealed the first attempt and added exceptions for cases involving death, serious health risk, or rape.

The court stated that “the decision in this matter may be one of the most important this Court issues during its time on the bench.” Given its potential precedential impact and the history of litigation around the first bill, it is anticipated that North Dakota Attorney General will appeal the ruling to the higher state courts.

Since the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling in 20022 with its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, women’s reproductive rights have been in a state of uncertainty. The status of a woman’s abortion right is now determined at the state level, leading to significant variations across the country.

With its four most prominent football programs leaving for a reconstituted Pac-12 Conference, the Mountain West has reached an existential crisis. In fact, it’s unknown whether its holdovers will stay or bolt.

Should the Mountain West want to remain intact, it will need to target replacements for Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State. But which additions make the most sense? Do any current FBS programs fit geographically? Can the Mountain West persuade prominent FCS programs to also take a leap upward?

As speculation swirls about other departures, here’s a look at the top candidates for the Mountain West should it stay together as a conference.

North Dakota State has won nine FCS championships since 2011 and boasts a 129-17 record over the past 10 seasons. The Bison regularly traveled to FBS power conference teams over the past decade-plus and won games, including against defending Big 12 champion Kansas State and Big Ten runner-up Iowa. North Dakota State’s yearly attendance averages have been between 15,000 and 20,000 per game, and Fargo has hosted ESPN’s “College GameDay” twice. Inviting the Bison instantly would provide the Mountain West with credibility, stability and a College Football Playoff contender.

A longtime rival of the Bison, the Jackrabbits have won two consecutive FCS championships and are 103-31 over the past 10 seasons. Among FCS programs, South Dakota State ranked sixth last year in average regular-season attendance at 18,208, numbers of which were compiled by Hero Sports. There’s a passionate following for the Jackrabbits, and SDSU would provide other Mountain West schools with a travel partner for NDSU outside of football. Like the Bison, the Jackrabbits have hosted “College GameDay” and instantly would compete for conference titles.

There’s no use separating these two because it would be a both or neither situation. These two are among the most successful in FCS, with one national title game appearance each in the past three years (Montana last season, Montana State in 2021). The Grizzlies and Bobcats ranked second and third, respectively, in FCS attendance in 2023, with Montana averaging 26,269 and Montana State at 21,610. Both have won more than 70 games over the past decade, and “College GameDay” appeared at their picturesque Brawl of the Wild rivalry game in Bozeman in 2022. Few programs fit better geographically in the Mountain West than these two.

UTEP is best known for its 1966 NCAA men’s basketball championship in which it fielded an all-Black lineup against all-White Kentucky, but its lack of football prowess kept it away from its traditional foes. Of the 10 members of the Western Athletic Conference before it expanded in 1996 (and then imploded two years later), UTEP was the only one to never go on to compete in the Mountain West. With its proximity to New Mexico and its ties to the Mountain West holdovers, UTEP would provide some instant name recognition.

New Mexico State has played its in-state rival New Mexico every year since 1907, except for during COVID-19 and two World Wars. It has almost the same rivalry history with UTEP, which is located only 45 miles from Las Cruces, N.M. Combined, New Mexico State has played 212 games against those programs, but it hasn’t competed in the same conference with New Mexico since 1951. It rejoined UTEP in Conference USA last year after a 61-year nonconference rivalry. If New Mexico would allow it, bringing in the Aggies would make sense geographically.

Along with Montana, Idaho once was among 10 members of the Pacific Coast Conference, which was disbanded in 1959 and later reborn as the Pac-8. Idaho then became a vagabond and bounced from conference affiliation to independent status in the FBS until opting to move down to the FCS in 2017. It never could secure a Mountain West invitation once the WAC capsized in 2012. Should the Mountain West invite both Montana schools, Idaho would be a nice addition, too. Oh, and the Vandals play in one of college football’s great structures in the Kibbie Dome.

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Perhaps a surprise for this list, Sacramento State boasts an enrollment exceeding 22,000 undergraduate students. The Hornets averaged 13,348 in football attendance last year, beat Stanford by a touchdown and generated $11.46 million in fiscal 2022-23. While there’s not much football history, Sacramento State has a 58-48 record over the past 10 seasons and qualified for the FCS playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Two years ago, the Hornets were 12-0 before losing 66-63 in a playoff shootout to Incarnate Word. Located only 120 miles from San Jose State, Sacramento State would make for a nice travel partner outside of football.

3 others to consider

North Dakota and South Dakota boast quality football programs, but from attendance to on-field success, they’re not quite at the level of their in-state rivals. Northern Arizona is located in Flagstaff and has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students. It’s a good area for the Mountain West to claim, but it ranked 50th in FCS attendance in 2023.

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(Top photos: Andrew Wevers and Steven Branscombe / Getty Images)