Top 5 Bigfoot Sightings in South Dakota: Share Your Encounter

Bigfoot sightings in South Dakota are not as commonly reported as in other states, but when they do occur, they are just as intriguing and captivating. The YouTube channel Campfire Creepers - Stories Stranger Than Fiction has compiled a list of the top five Bigfoot sightings in South Dakota, and I am excited to share them with you. South Dakota is known for its wide-open prairies and rugged Black Hills, with a population density of only 11 people per square mile. This sparse population and vast wilderness make it an ideal location for Bigfoot to remain hidden. The state is approximately 14% forested, primarily in the Black Hills and along river valleys. The first recorded Bigfoot-like encounters in South Dakota date back to Native American oral traditions. The Lakota and other Plains tribes spoke of a large hairy humanoid known as Chi Tanka, meaning big elder brother or great man. These beings were said to live in the remote hills and river valleys, watching over humans but rarely interacting. Coming in at number five is the Missouri River Stalker, reported in October 2020 near Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre, South Dakota. Two fishermen reported hearing heavy footfalls in the brush before seeing a large dark figure moving near the water's edge. The fog rolling in from the river made visibility difficult, but the witnesses describe the creature as at least 7 ft tall, walking upright with a fluid deliberate motion before disappearing into the trees. At number four is the Badlands Shadow, reported in July 2019 in Badlands National Park near Wall, South Dakota. Three campers hiking along a remote trail reported a bizarre encounter as the sun set and the sky turned deep red. They saw a massive shadowy figure perched on a ridge watching them before quickly disappearing behind the rock formations. The kuster park giant comes in at number three, reported in late March 2022 in kuster state park near kuster, South Dakota. A solo hiker in a secluded part of the park reported seeing an enormous hairy creature watching him from a distance. The wind had picked up that day, creating an eerie howling sound through the trees. As the hiker cautiously stepped forward, the creature turned and strode into the forest with shocking speed. The Spearfish Creek encounter is number two, reported in September 2022 in Spearfish Canyon near Spearfish, South Dakota. Four hikers exploring a less-traveled trail along Spearfish Creek had a chilling experience. They heard a series of deep guttural growls coming from the trees followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps pacing nearby. When one hiker threw a stone in the direction of the noise, they caught a glimpse of a massive fur-covered figure before it vanished into the undergrowth. And finally, at number one, is the Black Hills Guardian, reported in May 2023 in Black Hills National Forest near Deadwood, South Dakota. A group of six friends on a weekend camping trip experienced something they would never forget. As dusk settled over their campsite near a quiet mountain stream, the group noticed a series of enormous footprints in the damp earth leading into the forest. Moments later, a towering dark figure stepped into a clearing, studying them before hastily packing up their gear and leaving the campsite. These sightings are just a few of the many unexplained encounters reported in South Dakota. The state's vast open spaces and remote woodlands provide ample opportunity for creatures to remain hidden, whether they are undiscovered wildlife, illusions of the mind, or something more extraordinary. The legend of Bigfoot in South Dakota continues to captivate and intrigue those who venture into its wild landscapes. As a Bigfoot believer and researcher, I encourage you to watch the video and share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Do you believe Bigfoot still exists today? Have you had an unusual encounter in the woods you can't explain? We would love to hear from you.