American bison were nearly driven to extinction but have recovered through conservation efforts. Their welfare in managed herds and during restoration programs raises important considerations.
Conservation bison face welfare challenges during roundups, vaccinations, and transfers to new ranges. Handling stress is significant for an animal adapted to open grasslands and unaccustomed to close human contact. Welfare-considerate management includes low-stress handling techniques, appropriate social group sizes, and restoration to sufficiently large habitats where natural behaviors can be expressed. Commercial bison herds may face conventional livestock welfare issues, while conservation herds must balance genetic management with individual welfare during necessary interventions.