Wild herds of the magnificent Canadian bison are slowly but surely returning to their historic habitats, and are once again roaming free. One of these herds is the plains bison in Saskatchewan. We’ve briefly mentioned this a few times in previous blog posts, and now it’s time to discuss this important arc in more depth. After being hunted to near extinction in the late 1800s, with the incredible assistance of dedicate specialists and caretakers, bison populations in North America have slowly been recovering. This is a significant achievement, and the restoration of a few herds of truly wild bison in Canada is a testament to the success of these conservation efforts.
The wild bison herd in Prince Albert National Park is the only herd of its kind in Canada. A herd of 50 animals was first introduced to the park in 1969, after being absent from the area for over 50 years. The reintroduction of bison to the park was a collaborative effort between Parks Canada, the Canadian government, and Indigenous communities. Bison are an important part of Canada's history and culture, and their return to their historic habitat is a significant milestone. The Plains bison were once the most numerous large mammals in North America and an essential resource for Indigenous peoples. The bison's grazing behaviour can influence the composition of grasslands and promote the growth of other plants and animals.
The reintroduction of bison to Prince Albert National Park was not without its challenges though. Bison are not cattle, and have very different needs when it comes to managing their migration habits. Bison go where bison want to go. There was also significant coordination with Indigenous communities to ensure that the bison were reintroduced in a culturally appropriate manner.
Despite the challenges, the reintroduction of bison to Prince Albert National Park has been a success. The herd is thriving, and occasionally, visitors to the park have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The bison are also an important reminder of the role that conservation efforts play in preserving Canada's natural heritage. See you on the wild side!