Tragedy in Custer State Park as bison fatally injures 70-year-old hiker

A 70-year-old woman has died after being struck by a bison while hiking with her husband in Custer State Park, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred on May 18 along the Grace Coolidge Trail, a popular hiking route in the South Dakota park known for its free-roaming wildlife, including large herds of bison.

According to local reports, the woman and her husband were hiking when they first encountered a group of bull bison at a distance. The couple reportedly stopped and waited as the animals moved along the trail before continuing their hike.

Later, they came across another group of bison roughly 50 yards ahead and again paused to allow the animals to pass before proceeding.

However, one bison suddenly broke away from the herd and charged at the woman, striking her and tossing her into the air, according to officials cited by local outlets. She later died from her injuries.

Authorities have not publicly released the woman’s identity.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks confirmed that the bison involved was removed from the area following the attack and that officials are reviewing safety protocols in response to the incident.

A spokesperson said staff are also monitoring animal movement within the park, noting that dry conditions have caused bison to spread more widely across the area, increasing the likelihood of human encounters.

Officials urged visitors to exercise extreme caution while hiking, advising them to maintain safe distances, make noise on trails, and keep pets leashed to avoid surprising wildlife.

“It’s important to remember that bison are wild animals and need to be treated as such,” a department spokesperson said, emphasizing that visitors should remain alert at all times.

The fatal attack comes weeks after another hiker, a 22-year-old woman, was injured in a separate bison encounter in the same park. She was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck near Center Lake.

Authorities say they are continuing to investigate wildlife safety measures as incidents involving bison in the park raise renewed concern about visitor precautions.