Why the Bison That Killed a Hiker Won’t Be Euthanized

On May 18, 2026, a tragic encounter between a wild bison and a hiking couple at Custer State Park in South Dakota claimed the life of a 70-year-old Canadian woman. While such incidents often spark calls to euthanize the animal involved, wildlife officials reached a different decision after determining the bison had simply acted on its natural instincts.

A Routine Hike Turned Tragic

Rather than approaching the animals, the couple reportedly stopped and allowed the herd to pass. They waited until the bison disappeared from view before continuing their hike.

However, after rounding a bend in the trail, they unexpectedly found themselves close to the same group again—only about 50 yards away.

Within seconds, one of the bulls broke away from the herd and charged.

The powerful animal struck the woman with its horns and threw her into the air. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but she later died from the injuries she suffered during the attack.

Rumors Spread That the Animal Would Be Put Down

Following the incident, many people believed wildlife officials would euthanize the bison because it had killed a person.

Those rumors quickly spread across social media and prompted concern among wildlife advocates.

One of the people who spoke out was wildlife photographer Dave Scragg, who lives in Custer. After hearing that officials were considering euthanasia, he encouraged members of the public to contact state authorities and express their opposition.

Scragg later said he believed thousands of phone calls, emails, and social media messages helped change the outcome.

“When this all started, the word from the top was that putting this animal down was the plan,” he said. “We didn’t accept that, and we made sure our voices were loud enough to reach the people who could actually make a change.”

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Offered a Different Solution

The turning point came when the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks Department offered to take custody of the bison.

Instead of euthanizing the animal, officials agreed to relocate it to land managed by the tribe. There, it will live in a protected environment away from public hiking areas while remaining part of a natural habitat.

The tribe explained that the bison had behaved exactly as a wild animal would when it perceived a potential threat.

In a statement, tribal officials said they would honor both their cultural responsibility to protect the bison and their obligation to keep people safe.

Officials Say the Bison Followed Its Natural Instincts

Wildlife experts stressed that the bison did not display unusual or aggressive behavior before the encounter.

According to park officials, bison are prey animals. They can react suddenly when they feel cornered, surprised, or threatened, especially during periods when bulls are more territorial.

Because investigators concluded that the attack resulted from the animal’s natural instincts rather than abnormal behavior, they decided relocation was more appropriate than euthanasia.

Bison Are America’s Largest Land Mammals

American bison can weigh well over 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour. Despite their calm appearance, they remain wild animals and can become dangerous if people get too close.

Wildlife authorities consistently advise visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison at all times and to give them even more space if they show signs of agitation.

Final Thoughts

The woman’s death was a heartbreaking reminder that wild animals should always be treated with caution and respect.

After reviewing the circumstances, officials concluded that the bison had acted according to its instincts rather than out of abnormal aggression. Instead of euthanizing the animal, they chose to relocate it to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, where it can live safely away from public trails.

The decision has sparked widespread discussion about balancing public safety with wildlife conservation, but officials maintain that protecting both people and wild animals remains the ultimate goal.

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