American bison (buffalo) at the Wildlife Loop Road - A herd of 1,300 bison roam freely throughout the park, often stopping traffic along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road. The herd is one of the largest public-owned herds in the world. Bison can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Historically, the animal played an essential role in the lives of the Lakota (Sioux), who relied on the "tatanka" for food, clothing and shelter. |
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And much later, the two RV Gypsies came across a lone buffalo, miles from the herd, just standing there, leaning against a tree and not moving. |
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"Begging
Burros" is a name used to refer to the donkeys in
Custer State Park. For many years, these donkeys have earned this nickname
as they approach various passing cars through the park begging for food.
After earning this reputation, the burros have become famous for garnering
the attention of most travelers through the park inside and outside
of cars. Many people bring food to the park specifically for the purpose
of feeding these animals. The Begging Burros inhabit one area of the
park upon a hill where approximately 50 of them try to obtain any food
they can. Custer State Park's roadway is blocked off by these animals
to the point where a driver needs to beep his or her horn to pass and
continue through the park. The park's website tells visitors what kind
of food they may feed the donkeys. |
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Below: Lee Duquette shared
the carrots and bread so that the nearby children could experience feeding
the wild donkey that came right up to Lee. The donkey ate out of Lee's
hand, but did not like it if the children tried to touch or pet him.
The park's website tells visitors what kind of food they may feed the
donkeys. |
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IS THAT ALL? |
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Continue
viewing the two RV Gypsies' adventures in South Dakota in the order
they occurred - 
If you have already seen all of the 7 sites in South Dakota, please
continue on to 
