Tragic news out of South Dakota where a 70-year-old woman has died after being struck by a bison while hiking the Grace Coolidge Trail in Custer State Park.
Officials from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks report the incident happened Monday, May 18th. The woman and her husband encountered a group of bull bison on the 5.8 mile one-way trail. The bison struck the woman in the back and she later died from her injuries.
Following the fatal incident, Custer State Park staff removed the bison involved from the immediate area. A review of safety measures is underway to help prevent similar encounters in the future.
The free roaming herd of nearly 1,400 bison at Custer State Park is one of the world’s largest publicly owned bison herds. Dry conditions in the park have caused the resident bison population to spread out around the park and increasing the likelihood that visitors will encounter them in unlikely places.
Officials noted that drier conditions have caused bison to spread out more in the park, increasing the chances of visitors coming into contact with them. They continue to remind the public to stay “bison wise” by keeping a safe distance, making noise while hiking and using extra caution around corners and ridgelines.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials want to remind the public that bison are wild animals and should always be treated with caution while using park trails.
Custer State Park Bison Safety PSA:
– Go the posted speed limit (yes, even when you’re late).
– Stay in your vehicle.
– Give bison (and most other animals) at least 100 yards of space.
