Escapees May-June 2023

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The American Bison in South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota to study and photograph them. They're America's national mammal, and there are few places you can get as up close and personal to them as you can in these parks. As I drove around Custer State Park, I saw a herd of them in the distance, and I parked off to the side of the road. Balancing my longer lens on the hood of my Jeep, I took images of them as they walked past in the distance. Then, one large female slowly turned and headed directly toward me. As she approached, I climbed into the Jeep, suddenly aware that I had removed the door panels, leaving little to protect me. I started the motor and slowly and quietly backed out of harm's way. I don't think a 3500 lb Jeep would have stood much of a chance against a charging 2500 lb bison. The American bison is the largest surviving terrestrial animal in North America. They are broad and muscular with shaggy coats of long hair. Adults can grow to almost seven feet tall and nearly 12 feet in length. They can weigh from around 800 to 2,800 lbs. Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offer a unique opportunity to view these magni fi cent animals. These bison have beaten out narrow paths through forest and open plain and are easily located throughout the parks for countless generations.

She strolled along slowly and majestically straight toward me. Her massive shaggy head bobbed up and down as she walked. Her cold dark eyes seemed to stare right through me. I had read all of the warnings about the bison of Custer State Park and had been told never to approach them. But, apparently, the bison had not read the warnings about approaching people! S he seemed very old, wise and without a care in the world. Then, about 50 yards out, she stopped for a quick lunch. Watching any big animal forage is exciting, but hearing this massive bison snort ing, munching and grinding was incredible. Words fail to describe these ambassadors from our distant Western past. Once hunted and killed for sport, they have managed to thrive with careful conservation once again. Though the terms are often used inter changeably, buffalo and bison are distinct animals. Old World "true" buffalos are native to Africa and Asia, while Bison are native to North America and Europe. I am a professional photographer and writer, and I have wanted to work on an article about bison for years. I recently traveled to Custer State Park and

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2023