Yellowstone Bison Merge Into One Big Herd

Wyoming bison are the only wild bison in the U.S. that have ever been completely wiped out.

To put bison back on the plains, bison herds from other parts of the country, which are not 100% like Wyoming bison, were brought in.

Many different types were introduced to prevent cross-breeding.

Scientists have now determined that Yellowstone bison no longer live in separate herds

Only 20 years ago, Yellowstone’s bison were split into two distinct groups, each sticking to their own breeding patterns and territory within the park.

A study by the Journal of Heredity reveals that these bison have now put aside their differences and formed a unit.

“This discovery plays a big role in how we take care of and protect this famous bison population for the future,” explains Dr. James Derr, a professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

"In other words, what were once two independent bison neighborhoods have now merged into one big community."

Researchers are sighing in relief. There could have been a disaster.

By the early 1900s, only 23 wild bison were left in Yellowstone.

There were problems with poaching.

The North America bison populations had plummeted by a staggering 99.9%.

We almost lost them all.

In 1902, conservationists brought in a few domestic bison from Montana and Texas and introduced them to the remaining Yellowstone herd.

“It’s one of the greatest success stories in wildlife conservation,” explains Dr. James Derr.

Their numbers have since risen and fallen in Yellowstone between 4,000 and 6,000, from year to year.

“For a long time, conservationists have gone back and forth on the best way to keep Yellowstone’s bison genetically diverse,” explains Dr. Sam Stroupe, a postdoctoral researcher.