You're driving through the Black Hills, maybe just outside of Hill City or winding through Spearfish Canyon, and you see a dark shape moving through the ponderosa pines. Most people immediately think "Black Bear!" because, well, the name fits. But honestly, if you're looking for a resident population of bruins in South Dakota, you’re basically looking for a ghost.
Wait. Didn't someone just post a video on Facebook of a bear in a backyard near Watertown?
Yeah, they did. In June 2025, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) confirmed two separate black bear sightings South Dakota residents reported in the northeastern part of the state, specifically near Pelican Lake. It freaked people out. A dog was barking at a juvenile bear, and suddenly everyone was locking their trash cans. But here is the thing: those bears weren't "from" here. Not really.
The Truth About the "Resident" Population
If you ask a wildlife biologist if there are black bears in South Dakota, they’ll give you a bit of a "yes, but no" answer.
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Technically, the state hasn't had a self-sustaining, breeding population of black bears for over a century. They were pretty much wiped out by the early 1900s. While you might see them at Bear Country USA (the drive-through park south of Rapid City), finding one in the "wild" of the Black Hills is incredibly rare.
Most of the bears that pop up are what experts call "transient" bears. These are usually young males. Think of them like teenagers who just got their driver's license and decided to see how far the road goes. They wander in from the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming or come down from North Dakota and Minnesota.
They’re looking for two things: food and a girlfriend. Since there aren't many female bears in South Dakota, these guys usually realize the dating scene is terrible and eventually move on.
Recent Sightings and Hotspots
It’s not just the Black Hills anymore.
Lately, the sightings are happening in places you wouldn't expect. Like Watertown. Or even further east. In May 2025, a juvenile black bear was spotted strolling along a tree line just south of Watertown. That’s hundreds of miles from the "bear country" people imagine.
- Pelican Lake (June 2025): Two confirmed sightings that prompted a GFP advisory.
- Watertown Area (October 2024 & May 2025): Multiple reports of a single bear moving through agricultural land.
- The Black Hills (Ongoing): Occasional trail cam photos, usually on the western edge near the Wyoming border.
The reality is that South Dakota’s landscape—lots of open prairie interspersed with river breaks—actually makes a decent highway for a traveling bear. They follow the trees. They follow the water.
Why We’re Seeing More Bears Now
It feels like there's an uptick, right?
Well, there is. But it's not because they're suddenly moving back in for good. It's actually a sign that the populations in our neighboring states, like Wyoming and Minnesota, are doing really well. When their "home" gets crowded, the young ones get pushed out to the fringes.
Also, everyone has a camera in their pocket now. Twenty years ago, if a bear walked through a field near Aberdeen, only the farmer saw it. Now, it’s on TikTok before the bear even finishes its midday nap.
GFP officials, like the ones who issued the 2025 Pelican Lake advisory, note that early summer is the "silly season" for bears. This is when the berries haven't quite ripened yet, and the calorie-dense foods are scarce. They get desperate. They start looking at your bird feeders and your "dog food" flavored trash cans as a five-star buffet.
What to Do If You Actually See One
First off, don't be "that person" who tries to get a selfie.
Seriously.
If you encounter a bear while hiking the Mickelson Trail or just putting out the recycling in Custer, the rules are pretty simple but non-negotiable.
1. Don't run. Running triggers a predatory chase instinct. You aren't faster than a bear. Even the "small" ones can hit 30 mph.
2. Stand your ground.
Make yourself look big. Raise your arms. If you have a jacket, open it up. Shout. "Hey bear!" is the classic go-to. You want them to know you're a human and not a confused deer.
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3. The "Food Factor."
If a bear is in your yard, it's there for a reason. Usually, it's because you left the grill grease out or your bird feeder is overflowing. Once the bear leaves, remove the food. If they don't find a snack, they won't come back.
4. Bear Spray.
If you're hiking in the deep woods of the Black Hills—especially near the Wyoming border—it doesn't hurt to carry bear spray. Is it overkill? Maybe. But it’s better than being the subject of a news story.
Is South Dakota Getting a Real Population Back?
This is the big question.
The South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan, which is being revised for 2025 and 2026, keeps an eye on "Species of Greatest Conservation Need." While black bears aren't exactly a priority for reintroduction, the state is forced to manage them as they appear.
For now, the social tolerance isn't quite there for a full-blown bear population. Ranchers worry about livestock. Homeowners worry about their pets.
Honestly, the state is mostly focused on "conflict management" rather than "population growth." If a bear stays out of trouble, the GFP usually just lets it be. If it starts breaking into garages or hanging out near schools, they’ll trap it and move it—or, in extreme cases, they have to put it down.
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Practical Steps for Residents and Travelers
If you’re living in or visiting an area with a reported sighting, you don't need to panic, but you do need to be smart.
- Store your trash indoors until the morning of pickup.
- Clean your outdoor grills after every use. That burnt-on steak fat is like a magnet for a hungry bear.
- Bring in bird feeders at night, especially in May and June when bears are most active.
- Keep your dogs on a leash. A dog barking at a bear can often lead the bear right back to you.
The black bear sightings South Dakota is experiencing lately are a reminder that nature doesn't care about state lines. We live in a corridor. Whether it's a mountain lion in a Sioux Falls suburb or a black bear in Watertown, these animals are just trying to find a place to exist.
If you see a bear, report it to the local GFP office. It helps them track the movement patterns of these "tourist" bears and ensures they can issue warnings before someone's trash can gets destroyed.
The next time you're out in the Hills, keep your eyes peeled. You probably won't see a bear, but the fact that you could makes the wilderness feel just a little bit more wild.
To stay safe and informed, you should check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for the most recent "Bear Aware" advisories and any new confirmed sightings in your specific county. If you’re planning a hike in the Black Hills, make it a habit to check trail head notices for recent predator activity.