Rosebud Sioux Tribe Save South Dakota Bison After Fatal Accident

A South Dakota bison is going to live a peaceful and free life after the Rosebud Sioux Tribe steps in to save its life.

In May, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks did confirm a 70-year-old woman died after an encounter with a bison on the Grace Coolidge Trail. But now this bison has a brighter future thanks to South Dakota advocates fighting for the bison's life.

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Bison roam the Black Hills of South Dakota — (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

When news first broke, the way South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials describe this incident does sound like this was a complete accident. It happened on Monday, May 18th when the woman and her husband encountered a group of bull bison. She was struck in the back and later died from her injuries.

So What Is Going To Happen To This South Dakota Bison?

According to our news partners at Dakota News Now, it took multiple parties to save this animal's life. "Tribal and state leaders across several departments worked together and found a solution: a new home for the bison away from tourists on the Rosebud Reservation." This wouldn't be possible without Moritz Espy, a Tres Ag Services owner who wanted to do the right thing.

“It started with a tragedy, and I just didn’t want it to end with a tragedy either."

black bison on green grass field during daytime — Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash

Social media was on his side, and he started a movement to help this bison avoid a terrible fate. As a result of collaborations between state leaders and park officials, it was determined that with their experience of handling bison the Rosebud Sioux Tribe would take custody of the bison. They confirmed this news in a Facebook post.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has stepped forward to take possession of the bison, ensuring that the animal will NOT be euthanized. Instead, he will be safely relocated where he will be able to live out the remainder of his natural life in a secure environment away from the public

You can click here to read more details about the incident and how South Dakota lawmakers came together to save the bison.

No matter what happened, this still serves as a great reminder to stay 'Bison Wise' this tourism season. You just never know what wild animals are capable of.

LOOK: 10 Reasons to Visit the South Dakota Badlands

Returning from a weekend trip to Rapid City, South Dakota for state basketball tournaments we decided to visit the Badlands National Park.

A quick turn-off I-90 will take you into some of the most awe-inspiring scenery.

It's also fun to note that several big-screen movies were filmed in the Badlands. Dances With Wolves, Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and most recently, Academy Award winner, Nomadland.

It's a spectacular park with tons to do. If you're setting out on a hike, bring lots of water and sign the hikers' logs at the trailheads. It could save your life. It's a tough place to survive.

Here are 10 facts about the Badlands:

Gallery Credit: Danny V

My Top 5 Favorite South Dakota Made Foods

As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.

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