The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks Department announced it will take custody of a bison involved in a recent fatal incident at Custer State Park. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has chosen to relocate the animal rather than euthanizing it.
In a statement released June 10, 2026, tribal officials laid out their plan to move the bison to a secure location where it can live out the rest of its natural life away from public access. The tribe also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the 70-year-old woman hiker who died in the incident on the Grace Coolidge Trail in South Dakota’s Custer State Park.
According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, a couple from Canada hiking the Grace Coolidge Trail stopped 500 yards behind five bull bison, waiting for them to move out of sight. However, after resuming their hike, the couple rounded a corner and unexpectedly encountered the bulls just 50 yards away. Again they paused their hike but then continued following the bison as the herd moved off. Eventually, one of the bulls broke away from the group, charged the woman, and tossed her into the air. She died from her injuries.
Wildlife officials report the bison was behaving according to its wild instincts and emphasized the tribe’s cultural responsibility to protect the animal while also prioritizing public safety. The tribe thanked several state and tribal leaders and agencies for helping facilitate the transfer, including Gov. Larry Rhoden, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations and Custer State Park staff.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish & Parks Official Statement:
Following the recent tragic incident at Custer State Park that resulted in the loss of a human life, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks announces that it will officially assume custody of the bison involved.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has stepped forward to take possession of the bison, ensuring that the animal will NOT be euthanized. Instead, he will be safely relocated where he will be able to live out the remainder of his natural life in a secure environment away from the public.
While many mourn the tragic loss of life, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We also recognize that these are wild animals and that the bison was acting in accordance with its wild nature. We will honor both our cultural obligation to protect our relative and the need of keeping the public safe.
