Wind Cave bison herd, Bison herd in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
The Wind Cave bison herd is a group of American bison living across the grasslands of Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. The animals move freely over rolling hills and open meadows that cover much of the park.
The herd was founded in 1913 with 14 bison brought from the New York Zoo, and six more arrived from Yellowstone in 1916. These early efforts came at a time when bison had nearly disappeared from most of North America.
The herd carries deep meaning in Lakota tradition, as Wind Cave is seen as the place where the first humans and bison came out of the earth. Watching the animals graze across the open hills gives a sense of that long connection between the land and the people who have lived here for generations.
Always keep at least 25 yards (about 23 m) from the bison, since they can move fast without warning. Drive slowly through the park and bring binoculars so you can watch them safely from a distance.
This herd is one of only two on the continent known to have no cattle genetics mixed into its bloodline, which makes it especially valuable for researchers studying the original bison stock. Animals from this herd have been sent to help start other herds that carry the same genetic background.
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