Tribes Seek To Restore Buffalo To The Wild

Above, lounging bison in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At one time, the American bison roamed free throughout North America. But a slaughter of millions of bison, sanctioned by the federal government, left only about 100 animals.

Today, Native American tribes and others are looking at ways to restoring the American bison to the wild.

Voice of America (VOA) News reported:

WASHINGTON — Native American tribal leaders, conservationists, wildlife managers and buffalo producers are exploring the cultural and economic benefits of restoring buffalo — known scientifically as bison — to tribal lands and beyond. They are addressing the issue at the first annual Tribal Buffalo Conservation Summit, a three-day event in Denver, Colorado culminating on November 3, National Bison Day. 

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, tens of millions of bison grazed and stampeded across America's Great Plains in herds that could stretch 160 kilometers (100 miles) end-to-end. The huge animals were crucial to the lives and economies of Plains tribes, providing shelter, food, clothing, weapons, tools and even children's playthings. Tribes revered the animal as a gift from the Creator, and it was--and remains--central to their spiritual beliefs. 

During the latter half of the 19th Century, as part of its strategy to subjugate tribes, the U.S. Army slaughtered buffalo by the millions, and by 1900, fewer than 100 animals remained. About two dozen buffalo found a haven in Yellowstone National Park, where they have been protected and roamed freely ever since.

As the article stated, today is National Bison Day.

To read more, go here.