Encounters
on the Trail
Animals
On their expedition Lewis and Clark encountered many new and different kinds of animals. Some of the animals that they came upon were the prairie dog, wolverine, and grizzly bear. When they first saw a prairie dog they found it very interesting. They spent one whole day trying to capture it so they could send it back to Thomas Jefferson. They also encountered a grizzly bear. This encounter wasn’t pleasant.
Many of the plants that they encountered were unfamiliar to them. They didn't know which ones were edible or useful. Sacagawea showed them what plants they could eat and some plants that could be used as medicines. They also used Cottonwood trees to build canoes for their journey on the rivers.
Plants
The expedition only traveled during spring, summer, and fall. During winter they would stop and take refuge. Their first winter on the expedition they stayed with the Mandan tribe. These Indians were very kind and generous. The second winter was spent on the west coast. They built a fort, for the winter, called Fort Clatsop.
Seasons
The expedition used horses to travel.
The expedition encountered Bison.
The expetition encountered Grizzly Bears.
The expedition encoutered Prairie Dogs on the trail.
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