A 70-year-old woman tragically died after being struck by a bison while hiking with her husband on the Grace Coolidge Trail in Custer State Park, South Dakota, on May 18. The victim has not been publicly identified.
The Incident on the Trail
According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and reports from KOTA, KELO, and the Pierre Capital Journal, the couple first encountered a group of about five bull bison during their hike. The pair stayed approximately 500 yards away, waiting for the herd to move further along the trail.
Once the first group of bison was out of sight, the couple resumed hiking. They soon rounded a corner and spotted another group of bison at a closer distance of around 50 yards. Again, the couple paused and trailed the animals as they moved.
Tragically, one bison broke away from the group and charged at the woman. The animal hooked her and tossed her into the air. She later succumbed to her injuries at the scene, authorities reported.
Park Officials Respond
Nick Harrington, spokesperson for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), told KELO that park staff relocated the bison involved in the incident and are actively monitoring its behaviour to prevent future incidents.
Harrington explained that ongoing dry conditions in the park have caused bison to spread more widely across trails, increasing the potential for dangerous encounters.
“Hikers are encouraged to make noise while on the trails, be mindful when rounding corners or approaching ridges, and keep pets on a leash,” Harrington said. He emphasised that visitors must treat bison as wild animals and maintain a safe distance at all times.
“Visitors are reminded to enjoy the trails and wildlife responsibly,” Harrington added.
Previous Bison Incidents in the Park
Harrington also noted that earlier this month, a 22-year-old hiker was struck by a bison near Center Lake in Custer State Park. That hiker suffered a non-life-threatening injury to the back of her legs and was transported to a local hospital.
Bison Facts and Dangers
Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with adults capable of weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing up to six feet tall. They can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their size, speed, and unpredictable behaviour make them extremely dangerous when approached too closely or startled.
Authorities urge all visitors to be cautious and follow safety guidelines, particularly during dry conditions when bison may spread across trails and near visitor paths.
Safety Tips for Hikers
- Keep your distance: Always stay at least 25 yards away from bison and other wildlife.
- Make noise: Alert animals to your presence while walking to avoid startling them.
- Be cautious around corners or ridges: Bison may be hidden from view and can charge suddenly.
- Leash pets: Dogs should remain leashed to prevent provoking wildlife.
- Report aggressive animals: Contact GFP or park officials if you encounter bison acting aggressively.
Community Reaction
The incident has prompted park officials to issue safety warnings to visitors and highlight the importance of respecting wildlife. Local media outlets are reminding hikers that even experienced visitors are at risk when wild animals are present on trails.
