Close encounters with bison in the Black Hills

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Everyone has heard of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is one of the country’s top tourist destinations with Mount Rushmore, Deadwood and other attractions. With so much land protected by state and federal, the area is a safe haven for animal life and it wasn’t a surprise to see common pronghorns (sort of a deer) but elk and bobcats would steer clear of roads. I never expected to see a wild buffalo in its natural habitat. I have seen bison in zoos and animal park situations but it’s more thrilling to see them in the wild. Driving through Custer State Park, I spied what seemed to be a giant dark statue or boulder just off to the side of the road. It was a massive sleeping buffalo! So huge with all that fur. I was close enough to see the flies buzzing around. I stopped the car to get a good look but didn’t get out. Bison weigh a ton and can be dangerous despite how seemingly docile. Just up the road I encountered another amazing vision: this fellow stared at me when I stopped then resumed scratching himself on a tree. I kid you not. This was my lucky buffalo day. Further up the road a small herd occupied both sides. I joined another car in waiting for an opening. The bison were not scared or perturbed in the least nor was I despite the thought they could slam the car like a brick wall. It was very exciting. I saw some more bison from Custer State Park through Wind Cave National Park but they were off in the distance. At the visitor center, I learned the bison herd had been reintroduced in 1913 to replace those that were wiped out. I can say the buffalo is a magnificent beast even with a cloud of flies around their heads. Photo is from Pixabay.