Bison charges and kills hiker in South Dakota’s Custer State Park

A 70-year-old woman has died after being struck by a bison while hiking in Custer State Park in South Dakota, according to state wildlife officials and local reports. The incident happened on the Grace Coolidge Trail, a popular hiking route known for frequent wildlife encounters, including the park’s large free-roaming bison herd. 

Officials said the woman and her husband encountered a group of bull bison on the trail before one animal suddenly charged and struck her. She was injured during the encounter and later died from her injuries. Park staff later removed the animal involved from the immediate area and began reviewing safety procedures. 

What happened on the trail

Reports from park officials describe the couple encountering bison more than once during their hike. At one point, they paused and allowed the animals space, but later came across them again at closer range. The situation escalated quickly when one bison broke away from the group and charged. 

Wildlife officials noted that bison are unpredictable and can react aggressively if they feel crowded or surprised. Even when hikers maintain distance, sudden movement or proximity on narrow trails can trigger defensive behavior, especially during seasonal conditions when animals are more spread out across the park.

Why bison encounters can turn dangerous

Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the United States, with roughly 1,500 animals ranging freely across the landscape. These animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and move much faster than most people expect, making close encounters especially risky.

Park officials regularly warn visitors that bison are wild animals and should never be approached. Even if they appear calm or stationary, they can charge without warning if they feel threatened. Trails in the park often pass through open grazing areas, which increases the chance of sudden encounters.

A pattern of recent incidents in the park

This fatal incident comes shortly after other bison-related injuries reported in the same park area. Officials noted that earlier in the month, another hiker was injured after an encounter with a bison, though those injuries were not life-threatening. 

Wildlife authorities say dry conditions in the region may be contributing to bison moving into more spread-out and less predictable patterns. That makes encounters on hiking trails harder to anticipate, especially around bends or blind spots where visibility is limited.

How officials are responding

After the fatal attack, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks staff removed the animal involved from the immediate area and began reviewing safety practices for the trail system. Officials are also reinforcing public warnings about maintaining distance from wildlife, especially during hiking season when park traffic increases.

Visitors are being reminded to stay alert, make noise while hiking, and avoid approaching animals even if they appear calm. Park authorities emphasize that while wildlife viewing is a major draw of Custer State Park, it comes with real risks when safety guidelines are not followed.