Bear Country USA
Bear Country USA is a wildlife park located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. The park is a popular destination for tourists looking to get up close and personal with some of North America’s most iconic animals. This includes black bears, grizzly bears, bison, elk, and more. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect when visiting Bear Country USA.
Habitats
First, it’s important to note that it is not a traditional zoo. The animals in the park are free-roaming and live in natural habitats that mimic their natural environment. Visitors can drive through the park in their own vehicles, allowing for a unique and immersive experience. Along the way there is opportunity to see animals up close and observe them in their natural habitat.
One of the main draws is the chance to see black bears and grizzly bears in their natural environment. The park has several habitats for bears, including a “Bear Walk”. There visitors can walk through a large enclosure and observe the bears from a safe distance. The park also has a “Cub Grub” area where visitors can watch young cubs play and interact with each other.
Coinhabitants
Aside from the bears, there are plenty of other animals to see. The park is home to a large herd of bison, elk, mountain lions, wolves, and more. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, including bald eagles and owls.
In addition to the drive-through portion of the park, there is a small zoo area that is home to a variety of animals that cannot be safely viewed from a vehicle. This includes reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
More Fun Info
Throughout the park, there are opportunities for educational experiences, including animal presentations and a wildlife museum that provides information about the animals that call Bear Country USA home. There are also gift shops and restaurants where visitors can grab a bite to eat or pick up souvenirs to remember their visit.
When visiting Bear Country USA, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Visitors should follow all safety rules and stay inside their vehicles while driving through the park. It’s also important to remember that these animals are not pets and should not be approached or fed.
Five Little Known Facts
Bear Country USA is the world’s largest privately-owned wildlife park that is home to over 200 black bears, as well as other animals such as wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.
The park was founded in 1972 by Pauline and Dennis Casey, who were inspired by a trip they took to Yellowstone National Park where they witnessed a black bear being fed by tourists.
One of the unique experiences offered by Bear Country USA is the opportunity to drive through the park and see the animals up close. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the animal care facilities.
Bear Country USA has a strong commitment to conservation and education, and works closely with the Black Hills Forest Resource Association to promote sustainable forest management practices.
The park has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the Discovery Channel series “Dirty Jobs” and the 1991 film “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,” in which the park doubled as the fictional planet of Rura Penthe.
Conclusion
A visit to Bear Country USA is a unique and unforgettable experience. The park offers the opportunity to see a variety of North American wildlife up close and in their natural habitats. From the bears to the bison, there’s something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind wildlife park.
Getting There
The park is located 8 miles south of Rapid City on Mt. Rushmore Rd/ S Highway 16 towards Keystone, SD.
The most common airport used for visiting Bear Country USA is Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP), and is a smaller airport but closest to the park.
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Bear Country USA
Bear Country USA Bear Country USA is a wildlife park located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. The park is a popular destination