The bison’s population today is around 350,000, which is roughly 1% of their original herd size. Bison can be found in a variety of locations across the country. Approximately 15,000 of these animals can be found on public lands, while others can be found in private herds maintained by organizations such as The Nature Conservancy.
Where Can the Remaining Bison Be Found?
These remaining bison include the Yellowstone bison herd, which is the largest remaining herd of genetically pure bison in the United States, and the Wind Cave bison herd, which is the second largest herd in the country.
There are also several smaller herds of bison that can be found in various locations across the United States and Canada.
In addition to wild herds, there are also many bison that can be found on ranches and farms, where they are raised for their meat, leather, and other products. These bison are typically managed and maintained by private individuals or organizations.
Are Bison Endangered?
In recent years, there has been a significant effort to conserve bison, also known as America’s national mammal. While the species is currently considered ecologically extinct due to the lack of large migratory herds, conservation efforts are underway to establish metapopulations of 1,000 or more bison. These efforts aim to restore the ecological role of bison on our grasslands.
Final Thoughts
While bison populations were once severely decimated by overhunting and habitat destruction, conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers in recent years. However, bison still face challenges, and it is important for us to continue working to protect and preserve these magnificent animals for future generations.
