Bison are found in South Dakota, roaming across vast landscapes due to successful conservation efforts. These powerful animals, once numbering in the millions across North America, faced near extinction by the late 19th century due to overhunting. Their return to South Dakota signifies a significant ecological and cultural restoration, particularly given their historical importance to the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Key Habitats in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to several prominent public lands where bison herds thrive, offering opportunities to observe them. Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills, maintains one of the largest publicly owned bison herds, numbering between 1,350 and 1,450 animals. This herd roams freely across the park’s 71,000 acres of mountains, hills, and prairie, often visible along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.
Badlands National Park, known for its unique geological formations and sprawling mixed-grass prairie, also supports a significant bison population. The park’s herd consists of approximately 1,200 animals, making it one of the nation’s largest federally managed herds. Their habitat was expanded by 22,000 acres in 2019, further supporting the reintroduction of bison to their historic range.
Wind Cave National Park, situated north of the Black Hills, hosts a genetically distinct bison herd, ranging from 250 to 400 individuals. This herd is considered one of only two genetically pure herds in a U.S. national park, reflecting careful management to preserve their unique lineage. Beyond these parks, bison are also present on tribal lands and private ranches, contributing to South Dakota’s overall population.
Bison Population and Conservation
South Dakota maintains the largest bison population in the United States, with nearly 40,000 animals. This substantial number results from ongoing collaborative conservation and management efforts. State agencies, such as South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, work alongside federal agencies like the National Park Service and tribal nations to oversee these herds.
Management strategies are tailored to each herd and its habitat.
Custer State Park conducts an annual bison roundup each September, where cowboys and cowgirls herd the bison for health checks, vaccinations, and population control. Surplus animals are often sold at auction to maintain the herd at a sustainable size, around 1,000 bison, preventing overgrazing and promoting genetic health.
Badlands National Park manages its herd through opportunistic culling, with some bison distributed to tribal lands to aid restoration efforts. Wind Cave National Park aims to maintain its genetically pure herd between 350 and 500 bison, regularly thinning the herd every two years to ensure ecological balance within the park’s carrying capacity.
Viewing Bison in Their Natural Habitat
Observing bison can be a memorable experience, but requires adherence to safety guidelines to protect visitors and wildlife. Park regulations advise maintaining a minimum distance of 25 yards from bison. Bison are surprisingly quick and can run up to three times faster than humans, respecting their space.
Understanding bison behavior enhances safety. A bison that lowers or swings its head, paws the ground, snorts, or raises its tail like a flag signals agitation and may charge. If a bison approaches, remain calm, avoid turning your back, and slowly retreat while keeping an eye on the animal.
When viewing from a vehicle, visitors should remain inside and use designated pullouts to avoid blocking traffic. Never feed bison or approach calves, as mother bison are highly protective.
For closer views, using binoculars or telephoto lenses is recommended, allowing detailed observation without disturbing them. The best times for viewing bison are early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active.