First Buffalo Calf Born at Custer State Park

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Custer State Park in South Dakota has welcomed the first buffalo calf of the 2026 season. The birth of this calf signals the start of the park's annual bison calving season, which typically runs from April through June each year.

Why it matters

The bison herd at Custer State Park is an iconic part of the region's natural heritage, drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness the annual calving. The arrival of the first calf is an eagerly anticipated event that highlights the park's successful conservation efforts.

The details

Park officials spotted the newborn calf on Monday, April 3rd, 2026. The calf was observed nursing and bonding with its mother, a healthy sign for the start of the calving season. Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly-owned bison herds in the United States, with over 1,400 bison roaming the park's 71,000 acres.

• The first buffalo calf of the 2026 season was spotted on April 3, 2026.

What’s next

Park officials will continue to monitor the bison herd throughout the calving season, which typically runs through June. Visitors to Custer State Park will have the opportunity to view the new calves as they bond with their mothers and integrate into the larger herd.