Yes, the animals commonly called buffalo are present in South Dakota, thriving in both public parks and private herds across the state. These animals are correctly identified as American Bison, which were once hunted nearly to extinction. South Dakota has played a major role in their conservation and is now home to some of the largest publicly owned herds in the world. The total bison population is substantial, with many residing on private ranches for commercial purposes alongside visible conservation herds.
Understanding the Name Difference
The common use of the name “buffalo” for the North American animal is a historical misnomer that has persisted for centuries. Scientifically, the animal that roams the plains of South Dakota is the American Bison (Bison bison), which is distinct from the two species of “true” buffalo: the Cape Buffalo of Africa and the Water Buffalo of Asia. All three animals belong to the same family, Bovidae.
The colloquial term “buffalo” likely originated from early French explorers who referred to the shaggy beasts as bœufs, meaning “ox” or “beef.” This term evolved into “buffalo” in English and became deeply ingrained in American culture. Despite the scientific inaccuracy, the name “buffalo” is still widely used by locals, in park names, and by Native American tribes who have their own names, such as Tatanka in Lakota.
Key Locations and Population Status
South Dakota hosts several of the nation’s most significant conservation herds, making it a premier location for viewing American Bison. Custer State Park, in the Black Hills, maintains one of the world’s largest publicly owned herds, typically kept near 1,400 to 1,500 animals. This free-roaming herd is a major attraction, often seen along the park’s scenic Wildlife Loop Road.
Wind Cave National Park manages another important herd, numbering approximately 350 to 500 bison, celebrated for its genetic purity. This herd is descended from a small group introduced in 1913 and is one of the few federal herds that shows no evidence of mixing with domestic cattle genes. Badlands National Park also manages a federal herd that typically exceeds 1,000 animals, reintroduced in 1963. These public herds are managed to prevent overpopulation and support the natural health of the prairie grasslands.
Beyond these public lands, a large portion of South Dakota’s overall bison population resides in private commercial herds. The state is a leader in bison production, with private ranches contributing significantly to the species’ total numbers. While the federal and state herds are managed primarily for conservation and genetics, the private sector helps maintain a large, robust population across the Great Plains.
Herd Management and Conservation Efforts
Maintaining healthy bison populations requires intensive management techniques employed by state and federal agencies. Because the herds exist within fenced boundaries, which limit natural migration, their numbers must be actively controlled to prevent overgrazing and protect the health of the rangeland. This management is executed through annual roundups, which are a major logistical undertaking.
During the roundups, animals are gathered for processing. This process includes health checks, vaccinations, and disease testing, which is particularly important for monitoring diseases like brucellosis. The roundups also allow park managers to collect biological data and determine which animals to remove from the herd to meet the target population size for the upcoming season.
The surplus bison are often distributed through public auctions, which helps fund the conservation programs, or are transferred to tribal lands and other conservation initiatives to bolster genetic diversity across the continent. This active management is necessary to ensure the genetic viability and ecological balance of the confined herds. The conservation success in South Dakota is a direct result of these ongoing, proactive efforts.
Visitor Guidelines for Viewing Bison
Visitors hoping to see the American Bison in South Dakota must prioritize safety, as these animals are wild and powerful. Bison are capable of running up to 35 miles per hour, and they are responsible for more injuries to park visitors than any other animal. Maintaining a significant distance is the most important guideline.
In areas like Custer State Park, visitors are asked to remain inside their vehicles when bison are nearby. If you encounter bison while hiking, retreat immediately and never approach them for a closer look. The National Park Service recommends staying at least 100 yards away from bison. The best times for viewing are typically the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active, and scenic drives like the Wildlife Loop Road offer the highest chance of a safe encounter.