American Bison

195,000 BCE - present

Herds of approximately 4,000,000 bison once roamed the great plains, migrating seasonally between Canada and the United States. The animal holds great importance in many native American traditions and teachings. The species nearly went extinct in the late 19th century, as culling was entirely unregulated and the animal was hunted in excess. Since then, extensive conservation efforts have been put forth by tribal organizations to rehabilitate the populations. Today, the bison population averages 180,000, with most herds raised on private farms and ranches.

Most Pressing Issues

Returning bison to native land

The Bison is a sacred animal in Native American tribes across the great plains. The animal was an integral character in many creation stories and now serves as a religious symbol of prosperity and survival. Organizations throughout the country are working to return bison herds to tribal communities in an effort to heal the species as well as the native people’s relationship with their cultural traditions.

Overhunting

Bison hunting has been performed by native peoples for centuries. In the 1800s, American colonizers intentionally decimated the population as a tactic to deplete the tribes of a valuable resource. By 1889, only about 600 Bison roamed the plains.

Migration

Bison prehistorically migrated from Alaska down to Mexico on a tract of richly fertile grasslands, known as the “Great Bison Belt.” Today, bison migration is restricted and separated by herd. The largest bison population on public land is the herd at Yellowstone National Park.