MAMMOTH CAVE

LOCATION

• Is the Nations largest underground cave system
• Located in the south western area of kentucky
• primarily in Edmonson County
• small areas do extend eastward into Hart County and Barren County

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HISTORY

• First human to enter was about 4,000 years ago
• Remains of Native Americans are found throughout the cave
• Miners scavenged the cave then was not discovered once more till the 18th century
• Established on July 1, 1941
• Established to preserve the cave system, and the rivers above mammoth cave

ANIMALS

• Home to over 70 different species
• includes birds, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and mammals
• Many of these species are endangered
• Species act of 1973: enables the necessary means to protect these species

AMERICAN MINK

• Long thin body and neck, short legs, and a 6-8in long tail
• Part of the weasel family
• Will susually be found in the water in the caves hunting for fish or crustaceans
• High possibility of endangerment to mink outside of mamoth cave
• This is due to fur hinting and has already happened to european mink

RECREATION AND FUN FACTS

• Cave tours, surface hikes, canoeing on the greenriver
• Picknicking, horeseback riding, bicycling, and camping
• #1: worlds longest known cave
• #2: native american objects left behind (slippers, and cane torches)
• #3 all of the signs of native americans are left completely preserved

SITES USED

• www.nps.gov
• www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9356.html
• www.mammothcavehotel.com/history