Wildlife

Bison Prairie Ecosystem Welfare

American bison restoration to prairie ecosystems benefits both bison welfare and the hundreds of species that depend on bison-shaped landscapes.

Key Facts

Bison once numbered 30-60 million across North American prairies
Populations were reduced to fewer than 1,000 by 1900 through commercial hunting
Bison herds on public and tribal lands have recovered to approximately 500,000
Bison grazing creates habitat heterogeneity benefiting hundreds of prairie species

Welfare Considerations

Bison in naturalistic prairie environments with space to roam, wallow, and graze thrive behaviorally and physically. Bison in small, overstocked pastures or feedlots experience welfare deprivation similar to domestic cattle. Large-scale prairie restoration that allows bison to express natural behaviors simultaneously improves conservation outcomes and individual animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Support organizations restoring bison to native prairie ecosystems
Visit national parks and wildlife refuges with wild bison herds
Advocate for tribal bison restoration programs on former bison range
Choose bison meat from ranches with large-acreage extensive management