Site 6
Brush Pile
This particular brush pile was made by man; however, in the wild and natural places of Kansas, one would find downed trees over thickets of brush. These natural “dens” provide a large enough open space for small critters like snakes, rodents, rabbits, quail, pheasant, and possibly a skunk or raccoon to crawl in for protection from the thermal elements or predators.
The brush pile before you is made with woody brush and cut tree limbs. The dead plant matter provides a great insulation for animals to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, the formation and placement of dead limbs makes it a challenge for predators like coyotes and hawks to attack its prey. Thus, the brush pile becomes a habitat for the small animals and snakes that live in the O.W.L.S. area.
Study the ground to find rabbit pellets, animal prints, or lizards