There is no question that Custer State Park has made a name for itself over the years. It was the first state park established in South Dakota, and it is home to many different species of wildlife. The park starting growing rapidly in the 1920s and the Civilian Corps of Engineers began building roads for all of the visiting motorists in the 1930s. The park was named for George Armstrong Custer.
Some of the wildlife of this area would include mule deer, elk, coyotes, mountain goats, prairie goats, feral burros, river otters, and pronghorn. However, one of the types of wildlife that this park has become synonymous with would have to be the free roaming bison. With a herd of at least 1500, they are truly something to behold. However, you definitely need to be careful when it comes to these bison.
For example, when the warning signs tell you not to get too close to the buffalo, they really mean it! One woman found out the hard way that these Bison are not anyone’s pets; they are aggressive wild animals that can do a lot of damage.
When she got too close to the buffalo, he proceeded to start swinging the woman back and forth just like she was some kind of rag doll. You see, these bison have an incredible amount of strength, and they know how to use it to their advantage. To the dismay of the shocked onlookers, this woman was not only tossed back and forth, but she was also knocked unconscious and had her pants ripped to shreds! It just goes to show you, you should definitely follow all of the rules of this and other national parks. They post them for your own safety! You are more than welcome to admire these creatures from afar, but just remember that after all, they are wild animals and you are just a visitor.