TextBison RestorationBison used to number in the millions on the Great Plains, but animals in conservation herds now stand at around 31,000 and are considered “near threatened.” Because most conservation herds are less than 500 on small landscapes, the species is listed as "ecologically extinct," meaning bison no longer play their critical roles in shaping prairie biodiversity. An Icon of the West The plains bison, also commonly known as the buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the free and open spirit of the North American prairie. While tens of millions of bison once roamed the Great Plains — described as “innumerable” by early 18th century European explorers — only an estimated 360,000 bison remain in North America today. Of these, less than 10 percent live in conservation herds. Most of the bison on the landscape today are raised for commercial purposes. ShowcaseThe total number of acres grazed by our bison herd is: 34,314 Director of Bison Restoration Scott Heidebrink conducts aerial surveys of the bison herds twice a year to assess population sizes and birth rates. The total bison population of all two herds is currently: 774 The total number of American Prairie bison distributed to tribal and conservation herds is: 546 Text The Herd on American Prairie We restore bison to their original habitat on American Prairie lands, providing visitors a chance to witness the majestic species that astounded the earliest explorers and played a central role in the culture and spirituality of the Indigenous People of the Great Plains. Thanks to donors and collaborators, we reintroduced bison on our lands in 2005, returning a species that had been gone from the landscape for more than 120 years. Learn more about the herd: BISON RESTORATION TIMELINE BISON VIEWING BISON HARVEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Contributing to Bison Conservation Nationwide As part of American Prairie's desire to make a positive contribution to bison restoration efforts across the country, we have donated bison to many conservation and tribal herds across the country. Build a Home for Bison
Four-Legged Ecosystem EngineeringAmerican Prairie’s bison herd turns ten years old this year. Read more about Four-Legged Ecosystem Engineering
Bison Bulls Ready for BattleThis is the rut, an explosive gathering that pits bulls against each other as they jockey for position next to the opposite sex. Read more about Bison Bulls Ready for Battle
Newborn Bison Calves Popping Up on the PrairieBison calves make their first appearances in mid-April and have been known to show up as late as October. Read more about Newborn Bison Calves Popping Up on the Prairie
Bison Across the Border: Your Questions AnsweredFind answers to common questions about American Prairie's transfer of bison from Canada's Elk Island National Park. Read more about Bison Across the Border: Your Questions Answered
One-Ton Teamwork for High Tech Animal TrackingEarlier this week, our team headed out across the snow-covered prairie to conduct health testing and outfit some of the bison with GPS collars. Read more about One-Ton Teamwork for High Tech Animal Tracking
Like a Needle in a HaystackBecause bison herds are matriarchal, GPS tracking collars are placed on older, lead females that make decisions for the larger herd. Read more about Like a Needle in a Haystack