Take a leisurely drive around the Custer Wildlife Loop, there will be endless opportunities to see wildlife in its natural setting. Whether you see a prairie dog peeping out of its hole, or a buffalo alongside of the road, different opportunities to see wildlife will present themselves at different times of the day and during different weather conditions.
The Custer State Park Wildlife Station
As you make your way around Wildlife Loop Road, stop by the Custer State Park Wildlife Station. Here you can pick up useful information about Custer State Park and discover where buffalo herds were spotted throughout the day on the Station’s map.
Bison
A herd of 1,300 bison, more commonly called buffalo, roam freely through Custer State Park and can often be spotted on Wildlife Loop Road. Known as one of the largest publically-owned herds in the world, the bison are massive beings, some weighing up to 2,000 pounds.
Begging Burros
A name used to refer to the donkeys in Custer State Park, the Begging Burros have earned their nickname because they approach vehicles throughout the park begging for food. Often found in the southernmost end of Wildlife Loop Road, the Begging Burros are known to block roadways, so that the driver has no choice, but to stop and hand out food.
Other Animals in Custer State Park
Other wildlife to watch for as you make your way around Wildlife Loop Road include pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, white-tailed and mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, coyotes, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks and a variety of other birds.
Wildlife Loop Road offers a wide variety of experiences. Not only will you see an abundance of wildlife, but the varied landscapes offer spectacular views of the higher portions of the Black Hills, badlands, endless sky, and lush streambeds.