Baby Wildlife Season in the Black Hills & Badlands: Who You’ll See This Spring
Spring in the Black Hills & Badlands brings a quieter kind of magic. As the landscape shifts into a new season, another transformation is happening all around. New life is arriving. Early April marks the beginning of baby animal season, and with it comes the chance to witness some of the region’s most memorable moments.
Throughout the open prairies to forested hillsides, here’s a look at the young wildlife you might encounter right now and in the weeks ahead.
Bison Calves: The “Red Dogs” of the Prairie
One of the first signs of spring is the arrival of bison calves. Often called “red dogs” for their bright orange coats, these newborns can be spotted trailing closely behind their mothers across the grasslands.
You’ll start to see them in early April, especially in wide open areas like Custer State Park and Badlands National Park. Despite their small size, they’re quick on their feet. Some are running just hours after birth. Watching a herd with new calves is a reminder of how alive the prairie becomes this time of year.
Bighorn Sheep Lambs: Finding Their Footing
High on rocky cliffs and rugged terrain, bighorn sheep lambs are beginning to appear. These young climbers are born ready to navigate steep landscapes, often scrambling alongside adults within days.
Spring visitors might catch a glimpse of lambs sticking close to ewes along Needles Highway, Custer State Park, and other rocky areas throughout the region. It’s a brief but incredible window to witness their earliest days.
Prairie Dog Pups: Peeking Above Ground
Prairie dog towns are full of activity as the weather warms, and early April is when the youngest members begin to emerge.
At first, you may only notice a quick peek from a burrow. Before long, playful pups are chasing each other, exploring their surroundings, and learning the rhythms of colony life. You can find them in the Badlands, at Prairie Homestead, Custer State Park, and even Reptile Gardens. Their energy adds a lively contrast to the stillness of the plains.
Elk and Deer Calves: Coming Soon
While some animals have already welcomed their young, others are just beginning their season. Elk calves and deer fawns typically arrive later in spring, but April sets the stage.
Keep an eye out in quiet meadows, forest edges, and other quieter stretches of the Black Hills. These early days are when wildlife becomes more active in preparation for what’s ahead.
A Season Worth Slowing Down For
Whether it’s a bison calf taking its first steps or a prairie dog pup venturing above ground, these small moments are what make a spring visit feel special.
As you explore, remember to give wildlife plenty of space and observe from a safe distance. These are their first days, and a little extra care goes a long way.
Spring has just begun, and the Black Hills & Badlands are still waking up. There will be much more to come with various changes throughout the next couple of weeks.