Wind Cave Bison Crash Deaths Called ‘Alarming’

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — Officials at Wind Cave National Park in southwestern South Dakota are taking steps to reduce the number of bison killed by motor vehicles.

Fourteen bison have been killed in crashes this year, compared to an average of three. Six of the deaths have happened in the last three months. Park Superintendent Vidal Davila calls the numbers "alarming."

The park is stepping up patrols, working on better signs and moving bison away from roads. Officials say animals are drawn to roads by salt used to melt snow and ice. The park doesn't salt the roads, but vehicles carry it in from other areas.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of bison to Wind Cave. The park has about 500 of the animals.

Source: Wind Cave Bison Crash Deaths Called ‘Alarming’