American Bison has a long varied history in the US. National parks inhabited by bison – Yellowstone, Badlands, Wind Cave. 150 years ago, 30 million bison roamed the Great Plains until mass slaughter, cultural change, poaching for hide began in 1800s. Fewer than 1,000 bison remained.
As bison forage, they aerate soil with hooves which aids in plant growth, dispersal of native seeds to maintain a balanced eco-system.
Bison is considered ecologically extinct but conservation herds of 1,000 bison are being established to create a meta-population, allowing species to play once again in prairie grasslands.
Pro-active, sustainable land, natural resource planning efforts can save a beautiful species. Land owners can effectively, sensitively co-exist with the wild bison. A symbol of strength, endurance.