Wildlife and nature in South Dakota
Prairies, badlands, hills, and iconic wildlife
South Dakota offers a striking combination of prairie landscapes, the Black Hills, badlands scenery, and open habitats that give the state a bold and memorable wildlife identity.
Sightings
160
Places
9
Species
35
Latest Sightings
Recent sightings in South Dakota
A recent look at wildlife sightings across South Dakota.
Sightings Map
See where snaps are happening
Start wide, then zoom in to see how snaps spread across South Dakota.
Places to Start
Parks, reserves, and local nature spots
Good starting points if you want to turn South Dakota's guide into an actual day out.
South Dakota, US
Jewel Cave National Monument
You might spot Bighorn Sheep and Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower.
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South Dakota, US
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
You might spot Least Chipmunk and Rocky Mountains Ponderosa Pine.
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South Dakota, US
Dinosaur Park
You might spot Scarlet Globemallow, Leadplant, and Yellow Salsify.
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South Dakota, US
Indian Creek Recreation Area
You might spot Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Woodhouse's Toad.
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South Dakota, US
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
You might spot Northern Leopard Frog and Red-Winged Blackbird.
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South Dakota, US
Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area
You might spot Prairie Pasqueflower and Common Buckthorn.
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Popular Species
Popular species in South Dakota
A quick look at the species showing up most often in sightings across South Dakota.
Category Guides
Check out our category guides for South Dakota
Browse birds, wildflowers, and bugs of South Dakota.
Birds
Birding in South Dakota
Browse birdlife, migration patterns, shoreline species, and the birds people are most likely to notice across South Dakota.
50 Sightings17 Species
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Flowers
Flowers in South Dakota
Follow native blooms, seasonal colour, and wildflower-rich places across South Dakota.
10 Sightings4 Species
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Bugs
Bugs in South Dakota
Focus on butterflies, bees, beetles, and other small species that make close-up exploring in South Dakota feel richer.
10 Sightings4 Species
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