South Dakota’s Most Dangerous Animal Might Be in Your Backyard

What do you think is the most dangerous animal in South Dakota?

Maybe the mounting lion? They are very dangerous, but they mostly keep to themselves and rarely cause injuries or property damage.

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Wildlife Danger in South Dakota: What Comes to Mind?

Rattlesnakes are a good guess. They do cause more injuries than mountain lions and can be found in most parts of the state. They are also harder to spot, you're more likely to stumble on a rattlesnake chillin' under a bush than you are a cougar.

Junebugs aren't dangerous, but they are super gross and dumb. As much as I want to throw shade at these giant FLYING incests, they aren't going to hurt you.

They don't have teeth, fangs, or venom. They don't have huge paws with razor-sharp claws, and while they are bigger than you'd think, they aren't like dinosaur-sized.

South Dakota's Most Dangerous Animal

The most dangerous animal in South Dakota is both very cute and very delicious. You've likely seen them in town, maybe even in your backyard. Yep, it's deer.

But, more than any other animal, deer cause the most property damage and injuries of any animal in America, almost 50 thousand injuries a year. They are even responsible for over 400 deaths each year, according to Loveexploring.com.

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Of course, the deer don't attack people or property. Well, they can, especially if you bother them during mating. You could get a face full of hoof.

Deer are most dangerous because they get in the way. Deer are the cause of more damage and injuries than any predator or rodent.

The folks at Deerfriendly.com report that South Dakota has a deer population of around 440,000. That's a lot of potential hazards on the highway. If you've ever hit a deer or seen the aftermath, a 150-pound buck can seriously mess up a car, especially if it was hit by a car going 65 miles an hour.

How to Stay Safe on the Road During Deer Season

Deer mating season is in the fall, and that's the most likely time you'll see them out and about, but you can hit a deer any time of the year.

AAA says that the best way to avoid a deer collision is to drive the speed limit and pay attention. Especially if you see a deer crossing sign.

If you see one, expect more. Deer are herd animals, and they likely have some buddies on the side of the road. They are also unpredictable, so slow down if you see one and drive safely past.

If it's in your way, don't try to swerve, hit the brakes, and hold the steering wheel until you stop.

If you do hit a deer, pull to the side of the road and call the police, and your insurance. And stay away from the animal, even if it's not quite dead. It can still thrash around and kick you or gouge with antlers.

What To Do if You Meet a Mountain Lion

Whether you're hiking in the Black Hills or walking the dog early on a summer morning in Sioux Falls, if you come face to face with your housecat's country cousin, the same advice applies.

Mountain lion attacks are rare. There's only been a handful of reported deaths from cougar attacks, and none in South Dakota, so far.

You can go your whole life and never see one, but they are there. If they are young, especially hungry, or guarding it's territory, you could get (un)lucky.