American bison were nearly eliminated in the 19th century and now face welfare challenges in both conservation and commercial production contexts.
Bison welfare in commercial production is generally better than cattle — they are raised in more extensive conditions suited to their wild nature. But the Yellowstone population faces ongoing lethal management for brucellosis control that causes individual welfare harm and politically contentious population management. Commercial bison face the welfare challenges of any livestock: transport, handling, and slaughter. Native American tribal bison programs often integrate cultural welfare practices with animal husbandry.