Bison Restoration and Plains Ecosystem Welfare

American bison were reduced from 30-60 million to fewer than 1,000 by the 1880s, and restoration programs are now rebuilding wild herds in ecologically meaningful landscapes.

Key Facts

American bison once numbered 30-60 million on North American prairies
By 1889, fewer than 1,000 remained due to commercial hunting and habitat loss
The American Prairie Reserve in Montana is creating one of the largest wildlife reserves in the US
Bison are ecosystem engineers whose grazing patterns create habitat heterogeneity for prairie species
Several First Nations-led bison restoration programs have returned bison to tribal lands

Welfare Considerations

Bison in wild or semi-wild restoration contexts have far better welfare outcomes than feedlot cattle - they express natural ranging behavior, social structures, and seasonal foraging patterns. Welfare challenges in restoration programs include fencing that restricts natural ranging, brucellosis-related management interventions, and the stress of capture during translocation. Long-term welfare for restored bison herds depends on achieving landscapes large enough for natural herd dynamics to operate without intensive human management.

What You Can Do

Support American Prairie Reserve and Wildlife Conservation Society bison restoration programs
Donate to First Nations bison restoration initiatives on tribal lands
Learn about bison ecology and their role in prairie ecosystem function
Advocate for public land management policies that support bison restoration in appropriate habitats
Choose bison products from restoration ranches that prioritize animal welfare and ecological outcomes