What kind of travel destinations are on your summer bucket list? Whether you fly to a tropical island, drive to the lake, or sunbathe in your backyard, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the warm weather and long days. So, how about a road trip to South Dakota?
Before you call me crazy, consider that one of South Dakota’s state parks is the ultimate destination for animal lovers. You can spot mountain goats, elk, coyotes, prairie dogs, and massive bison from your car or on foot, though the park’s most famous residents are their friendly wild donkeys.
Remember, you should never approach or interact with wild animals—unless you find yourself at Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park!
@halladayhikes The rangers said that the wild donkeys were friendly and that was an understatement. Normally you never approach wildlife but this was recommended to me by the rangers at the state park #custerstatepark #donkeys #nartionalpark #wildlife #hike #solotravel
How sweet is this? Watching the baby donkey running while the older one asks for pets reminds me so much of pet dogs. Even from this short video, it’s easy to see their unique, individual personalities shining through!
Although these donkeys are technically wild animals, they’ve always been comfortable around humans. Donkeys, or burros, were first brought to the area by miners in the 1870s, and they were set to wander free when the work was done. Since then, the social pack animals have been making friends and stealing hearts through the generations, even earning themselves the nickname ‘the Begging Burros.’
Related: Herd of Sweet Miniature Donkeys Can’t Get Enough of Dad’s ‘Disney Prince’ Singing Voice
“Donkeys are genuinely affectionate and docile creatures. I love them!” one commenter gushed. I know precisely what you mean. I’ve never considered traveling to South Dakota before, but suddenly I’m ready to book a trip!
@theroadwelltraveled The wild burros of Custer State Park = local legends 🫏 Descendants of pack animals left behind by miners over 100 years ago — now they roam free and know exactly how to hustle for snacks 🍎 🥕 Would you roll your window down for one of these guys? #custerstatepark #wildburros #southdakota #rvlife #roadtrip #travelbucketlist #blackhills
Custer State Park visitors are allowed to approach and even feed the donkeys, but the begging burros often make the first move. When so many kind guests bring fresh carrots and apples to feed them (no junk food, please!), they’re just like begging dogs.
Another commenter had me laughing out loud when she wrote, “They licked all the road salt off my car in the winter and chased my car while I was crying because I was scared and didn’t know they were tame.” That’s hilarious, but so relatable!
As someone who grew up with a childhood phobia of dogs, I used to have the very same reaction when a dog would ask me for attention. I had no idea what to do! Hopefully, this person had the chance to go back and say hello to the extraverted animals. I know I would!
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