Search and rescue called to rescue dog on trail

BLACK ELK PEAK, S.D. — Custer County Search and Rescue were called to assist a dog that had fallen at the Black Elk Peak tower Friday night.

Seven search and rescue members responded to the call that came in at 6:25 Friday evening. The 80 pound dog was unable to walk after falling 20 feet on the trail.

While making their way up to carry the dog, the search and rescue team met both the owners and the dog walking down the trail. The dog had apparently recovered from its fall and was able to make the walk down the trail. Everyone made it to the Sylvan Lake trailhead at about 9 p.m.

The event took place at Trail 9 on the mountain, which the Custer County Search and Rescue reports is still difficult terrain after last week’s winter storms. Trail 9 reportedly had 12 to 24 inches of snow on the ground, and it will likely take several days before conditions improve as the trail’s altitude and north facing slope slow down melting.

Hikers are warned to carefully consider the gear they choose to take and to understand their own limits if trails look difficult.