In the region northwest of the Sheyenne grasslands, the explorers encountered the Mandans.

October 25, 1804. Clark: passed the 3rd old Village of the Mandans which has been Desd. for many years,     this Village was situated on an eminance of about 40 feet above the water on the L. S.     back for Several miles is a butifull Plain at a Short distance above this old Village on a Continuation of the same eminance was Situated the Ricares Village which has been avacuated only Six years October 18, 1804. Clark: The Countrey in this Quarter is Generally leavel & fine     Some high short hills, and some ragid ranges of Hills at a Distance.

More about the food October 18, 1804. Clark: opposite to us we Saw a Gangue of Buffalow bulls which we did not think worth while to kill. our hunters killed 4 Coats [Goats] 6 Deer 4 Elk & a pelican & informs that they Saw in one gang: 248 Elk

Find out more: Sprawl in North Dakota Lewis and Clark in North Dakota Natural History of North Dakota Endangered Species in ND Intertribal Bison Cooperative "Beauty and the Badlands" Sierra Magazine: Lewis and Clark