American bison, once nearly extinct, now number around 500,000 in managed herds, raising important questions about welfare in both conservation and commercial contexts.
Bison present unique welfare challenges compared to domestic cattle. They retain strong wild instincts: flight responses, preference for large ranges and complex social structures. Commercial operations that raise bison in cattle-scale confinement create significant stress. However, conservation herds managed by tribes and wildlife organizations on large grassland areas can provide meaningful welfare alongside ecological restoration. The challenge is ensuring that the commercial bison industry, which has grown substantially, maintains standards that respect bison behavioral needs rather than treating them as simply large cattle. Welfare assessment tools developed for domestic cattle require modification for bison.