The wildlife of Black Hills is diverse, and you can explore it during your cabin stay. There are black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs, marmots, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelopes, mule deer and elks. On very rare occasions even the bears are spotted, usually, they are in the mountains.
It’s important to know what to do if you see a wild animal, for example when you are on a hike. Here are some tips to stay safe!
There are a few general rules to keep in mind.
- Pay attention to the surroundings in order to notice the signs of wildlife.
- Make noise – usually animals hide from people and do not approach hikers.
- Keep a safe distance, you shouldn’t come close to them or feed them.
- The food should be kept in special containers or sealed. If you are living in a camp – leave the food away from it.
- Hike in a group.
- Consider taking safety gear, for example, the bear spray.
- Stay on marked trails! Respecting the natural habitat of wild animals is necessary. For example, if you hike outside of marked trails, you can destroy the burrows of black-footed ferrets.
- Avoid hiking when it’s dark.
What to do if you encounter a bear?
- Do not panic and try to move back slowly
- You can speak calmly to the bear
- You shouldn’t run as it can trigger a chase response
- Try to make loud noises, the bear can get scared and run away
- Eye contact should be avoided
- Use bear spray
What to do if you encounter black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs or marmots?
There are a lot of black-footed ferrets in South Dakota, they live in prairie dog colonies. All of these animals look very nice, but you should observe from a distance, no feeding or touching! Black-footed ferrets are even protected, any human interaction can disturb their natural being. Ferrets, prairie dogs and marmots can be easily scared, so you should be quiet and still. Pay attention to warning calls – prairie dogs and marmots make them if they feel the threat. Warning calls of prairie dogs sound like high-pitched barking. Warning sounds of marmots sound like loud whistles. If you hear such signals – it means that animals feel threatened by your presence.
What to do if you encounter bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelopes, mule deer or elks?
These animals are huge and they can be very fast, so it’s important to maintain safety! Always keep a distance, do not run and move away slowly. Be calm and avoid loud noises. Usually, these animals are non-aggressive.
FAQ
Can I see a wild animal on a hiking trail in Black Hills?
Yes, a holiday in a cabin in the Black Hills is a great chance to explore wildlife. Animals are usually non-aggressive, however, some precautions would maintain your safety.
At what season wild animals could be more dangerous?
During spring and fall, you should be more careful! Spring is calving season and female animals act protective. Fall is rutting season and male animals could be aggressive.
Are there bears in the Black Hills?
Bears are spotted very rarely, but it’s better to know how to behave if you see one. Don’t run, move slowly and use the bear spray!