A tragic accident occurred in South Dakota when a 70-year-old woman was killed by a bison while hiking.
Woman Killed by Bison in Custer State Park
The woman, who has not been identified, was hiking with her husband on the Grace Coolidge Trail in Custer State Park on May 18, according to local reports from KOTA, KELO, and the Pierre Capital Journal.
During their hike, the couple came across a group of about five bull bison. They stayed around 500 yards away and waited for the herd to move up the trail before continuing. Later, they encountered another group of bison at a distance of about 50 yards. The couple stopped again and trailed the animals as they moved.
Fatal Encounter
Suddenly, one bison broke away from the herd and charged at the woman, tossing her into the air. She later died from her injuries, officials reported.
Park Officials Respond
Nick Harrington, a spokesperson for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), told KELO that staff have moved the bison from the area and are monitoring its behavior to ensure public safety.
Harrington said dry conditions have caused bison to spread throughout the park. He advised hikers to make noise on trails, be cautious when rounding corners or ridges, and keep pets on a leash.
“It’s important to remember that bison are wild animals and need to be treated as such,” Harrington added. “Visitors should maintain a safe distance and enjoy both the trails and wildlife responsibly.”
Previous Incidents
Earlier this month, a 22-year-old hiker was also struck by a bison near Center Lake at Custer State Park. The hiker was injured on the back of her legs but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
About Bison
Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing around 6 feet tall. They can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, making them dangerous if approached too closely.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder that wildlife should always be respected and observed from a safe distance while hiking or visiting natural areas.
