Peregrine falcons have successful nesting season

Park staff have observed that three peregrine falcon chicks have fledged from their nest on Devils Tower. The confirmation of chicks leaving the nest means that all rock climbing routes have reopened on the tower.

Each year, some climbing routes are temporarily closed during the spring and summer to protect falcon nesting sites and to protect climbers from adult falcons who will defensively dive to protect their young.

Protected nesting locations such as Devils Tower have been crucial in the recovery of peregrine falcons. Falcons experienced sharp declines in North America during the 1960s and...