Based on 3,004 research-grade iNaturalist observations in South Dakota, American Bison is most often recorded in July; in South Dakota it behaves like a summer visitor / breeder. It ranks #1 among mammals recorded in the state in our data.
Bos bison
American Bison in South Dakota by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in South Dakota in July
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Pronghorn
Bighorn Sheep
Least Chipmunk
White-tailed Deer
Mule Deer
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
Donkey
Places to look in South Dakota
State ParkCuster State Park
National ForestBlack Hills National Forest
State ParkPalisades State Park
State ParkSpirit Mound Historic Prairie
State ParkHartford Beach State Park
State ParkLake Herman State Park
FAQ
When does American Bison appear in South Dakota?
Mainly May–September, with the most records in July.
How common is American Bison in South Dakota?
It ranks #1 by number of iNaturalist observations among mammals in South Dakota (3,004 records in our sample).