Bison That Killed a Tourist in South Dakota Will Be Spared from Euthanization and Relocated to Tribal Land After Public Outcry

In a major development following a tragic incident, a bull bison responsible for the fatal injuries of a Canadian tourist in South Dakota will be relocated instead of facing euthanasia. The decision comes after significant public outcry and vocal support from wildlife advocates who rallied against the prospect of the animal being put down.

The event in question took place last month on the Grace Coolidge Trail within Custer State Park. A 70-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed per her family’s wishes, was hiking with her husband when a group of bison charged at her. The attack, which was reported by the Custer County Sheriff’s office, resulted in the woman sustaining critical injuries, ultimately leading to her death. This marked the first fatal bison attack in the park in over two decades.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Game, Fish and Parks department announced their decision to relocate the bison to a safe environment, where it will live away from human interaction. The move effectively rescues the animal from what many deemed a potential death sentence following the tragic event, according to Cowboy State Daily.

Following the announcement of a possible culling, numerous wildlife advocates and members of the community expressed their concerns and fought against the proposed plan. Local wildlife photographer Dave Scragg was among those who took to social media, urging people to contact state officials and convey their opposition to the animal being killed. Scragg remarked that the initial intention to eliminate the bison was untenable, stating, “We didn’t accept that, and we made sure our voices were loud enough to reach the people who could actually make a change.” He celebrated the final outcome as a victory for wildlife and the local community.

In their statement, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe expressed condolences for the tragedy while also defending the bison’s actions as a natural response to perceived threats. Chad Kremer, the herd manager for Custer State Park, reinforced this perspective, stating that the bison’s behaviour was instinctual and that it acted out of a natural response to pressure. He insisted, “He didn’t deserve to be destroyed.”

Nick Harrington, a representative with South Dakota’s Game, Fish and Parks, echoed the sentiment that relocating the bison was in the best interest of public safety. He acknowledged the tribe’s cooperation in the relocation effort and emphasised that the new home would ensure both the well-being of the animal and the safety of the public. “We are grateful for Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s willingness to work with us to relocate the buffalo to a location that is suitable for the animal and away from interaction with the general public,” said Harrington.

As this incident unfolds, questions linger regarding the potential existence of a formal kill order. The South Dakota Governor’s Office has remained tight-lipped on the issue, with Harrington stating only that “all options were being considered and evaluated” in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

The decision to spare the bison demonstrates a growing recognition of wildlife conservation and public advocacy in the face of human-wildlife interactions that occasionally lead to unfortunate outcomes. While the loss of life is undoubtedly a tragedy, the case highlights the complexities surrounding the management of wild animals in recreational areas and the importance of understanding their behaviour.

As the bison prepares for its relocation, both community members and wildlife advocates express hope that the animal can continue to live freely, albeit in a safer environment away from public access. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human interests and the preservation of wildlife, and the ongoing dialogue about how best to protect both parties moving forward.