Wildlife

Wild American Bison Conservation and Welfare

American bison recovered from near-extinction but ongoing management creates welfare challenges.

Key Facts

American bison were reduced from 30 million to fewer than 1000 individuals by the 1890s
Yellowstone bison are controversially managed including slaughter at park boundaries
Most of the 500000 current bison are in private herds or managed public lands
Bison retain incomplete domestication and show high stress responses to handling

Welfare Considerations

American bison were reduced from approximately 30 million to fewer than 1,000 individuals by the 1890s. Conservation efforts have restored populations to approximately 500,000 animals. Bison in Yellowstone face politically contentious management including slaughter when they migrate outside park boundaries due to brucellosis concerns. Bison welfare in managed herds varies enormously given their incomplete domestication and strong wild behavioral responses.

What You Can Do

Support wild bison conservation and migration corridor protection
Oppose slaughter of Yellowstone bison when non-lethal alternatives exist
Choose bison products from operations providing adequate space and natural grazing
Advocate for wildlife corridor protections that allow bison to roam more naturally