Bison are the largest mammal in North America, the average Male Bison (a bull) can grow almost 6 feet tall and can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds. The Bison, an animal once numbering around 30 million were brought near to extinction in the late 1800’s when fewer than 1000 Bison were surviving. This near extinction was due to a variety of factors, but overhunting was the largest contributor. Bison have long been integral to Indigenous cultures, providing food and resources. They were a large part of their society for thousands of years. Once the decline was significant the government and Parks Canada set forward efforts to protect the Bison.
Key Conservation Efforts
- In 1906 Parks Canada purchased 700 Plains Bison, one of the last remaining private herds seeing they were headed for extinction. They were sent North to Elk island and Buffalo National park.
- In 1897 Parks Canada built the Paddocks, an enclosure where a handful of the last remaining bison had a sanctuary to protect them. This Paddock was a display herd here in Banff National Park.
- 1997 the herd and paddock were removed. With plans set in motion to reintroduce Bison as free animals once again.
Reintroduction Stage 1 Soft-Release (2017-2018)
After decades of planning, in 2017 Parks Canada released a small herd of 16 healthy Bison on the eastern slopes of Banff National Park. The herd was relocated from Elk Island National Park.
In stage 1 after their release the herd was closely monitored and the Bison spent two calving seasons in their new home.
Stage 2 (2018-2022)
18 months after the first herd was released and successfully bred, the herd and its young were released into the full reintroduction zone that was 1200 Km.
Utilizing the terrain of Mountain ridges and short stretches of wildlife-friendly fencing discouraged the bison from leaving the safe-zone while allowing other animals to pass freely.
After the two stages of the reintroduction were complete Parks Canada took a step back and allowed the bison to reproduce and grow. After the 2024 calving season the Bison are numbered at approximately 138 animals strong.
The Reunification
One Bison has been allocated per Indigenous Advisory circle member (a group of 8 respected community members tasked with advising Banff National Park officials on Indigenous culture and preservation of their history). October 9th of 2024 was a momentous occasion, with the first Bison to be hunted in the national park in over 150 years. Piikani Nation, an Indigenous group native to the region, were the first of the Indigenous Advisory Circle to hunt a Bison. The hunt on October 9th was a success as the first Bison to be hunted by local indigenous groups in over a century.
Josh Szutarski | Interpretive Guide | White Mountain Adventures