A tragic incident in South Dakota has led to the death of a 70-year-old woman after she was struck by a bison while hiking in Custer State Park. The event occurred on May 18, when the woman, who has not been named, was walking with her husband on the Grace Coolidge Trail.
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During their hike, the couple initially encountered a group of five bull bison and chose to maintain a safe distance, remaining approximately 500 yards away as they waited for the animals to move along the trail. Once the herd disappeared from view, the couple continued their trek, only to come across another group of bison approximately 50 yards ahead.
Upon encountering this second group, the couple stopped again and observed the bison from a safe distance. Unfortunately, one bison broke away from the group and charged the woman, attacking her and throwing her into the air. She sustained severe injuries from the incident and later succumbed to them.
In response to the incident, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) took immediate action by removing the bison from the area. GFP spokesperson Nick Harrington noted that staff are actively supervising the behaviour of the bison to ensure the safety of park visitors.
Harrington highlighted that the bison population in the park has become more distributed due to ongoing dry conditions within the area, which may explain the increased likelihood of human encounters with these animals. As a precaution, authorities have urged hikers to remain vigilant while navigating the trails, especially in light of another recent incident where a 22-year-old hiker sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a bison.
To avoid similar occurrences, visitors are advised to make noise while hiking and exercise caution when rounding corners or ascending ridges. Pet owners are also encouraged to keep their animals on leads to prevent potential conflicts with wildlife.
The bison, notable for being the largest land mammal in North America, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand six feet tall. They are capable of running at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them unpredictable and potentially dangerous when surprised or threatened.
In line with these incidents, the park authorities have reminded the public of the significance of treating bison and other wild animals with respect and caution. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all wildlife to ensure their own safety while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
Custer State Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic hiking trails. However, the recent events underscore the necessity of exercising due diligence and adhering to safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of both individuals and the animals that roam freely in the park. As investigations are carried out, park officials continue to explore ways to improve safety measures and enhance visitor awareness about the behaviours of wild animals.
As the park remains a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, it is crucial for everyone to remember that encounters with wildlife can occur unexpectedly and that caution is always advised.