The bluffs were formed by deposition of materials from the Laramie Mountains, located to the west. These bluffs consist mainly of siltstone and are capped by sandstone. The entire area supports a variety of wildlife. The bluffs and associate prairie provide habitat for raptors, including Swainson’s and ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons. American kestrels and burrowing owls. Mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and meadowlarks are a few of the other inhabitants. One population, which has recently increased its numbers, is the sharp-tailed grouse. Sharptails eat grains, forbs (non-woody, flowering plants), grasses, buds and fruit. They also eat insects such as grasshoppers, especially when the birds are young.

Grouse need a variety of habitats to survive throughout the year. Prairies and shrubby draws are crucial for their survival, providing breeding habitat, cover and a winter food source. In the past, declines in sharp-tailed grouse populations were due to competition with agriculture, which changed the prairie. Many landowners now plant shelter belts and leave tall grass cover which are used by grouse and other wildlife for food and shelter. Wildlife also search grain fields for seeds. Keeping remaining native prairies intact will help ensure prime habitat for these birds and other wildlife in the future.