American bison were nearly exterminated by the 19th century and their recovery raises questions about both conservation success and individual welfare.
The welfare of bison in commercial herds differs significantly from their wild counterparts. Commercial bison are managed much like cattle, with handling, branding, and slaughter welfare considerations similar to beef production. Wild bison in Yellowstone face culling pressure at park boundaries due to brucellosis concerns, with animals captured and sent to slaughter in ways that cause significant stress. The restoration of bison to tribal lands by several Native American nations represents both conservation and welfare progress.