Annual Bison Roundup in United States Gathers Hundreds to Promote Species Health

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Cowboys and cowgirls in South Dakota assembled a sizable herd of over 1,500 bison last Friday in a yearly initiative aimed at safeguarding the health of the bison population, which has recovered from its once threatened status of near-extinction.

Spectators from various parts of the globe observed the action from behind protective wire fences as equestrians let out rallying cries while herding the massive, fur-covered animals through the hilly terrains and meadows of Custer State Park. Periodically, the bison and their young would pause to forage on pale-colored grass or to wallow in the earth, their pointed hooves churning the soil into plumes of dust.

Kevin Robling, Secretary of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, who participated as one of the 50 riders responsible for herding the bison, remarked, “The opportunity to be in such close proximity to a herd of bison is rare. You can hear their vocalizations, the low grunts and moans, and observe the calves galloping beside their mothers.”

Matt Snyder, the park Superintendent, indicated that Custer State Park hosts the country’s sole annual Buffalo Roundup to assess the health of the bison and administer vaccinations to the young.

Historically, bison, often referred to as buffalo within the United States, numbered as many as 60 million and were pivotal to the culture and livelihoods of various Native American communities. However, overhunting by settlers, military personnel, and tourists decimated the population, driving it to the verge of extinction. By the year 1889, fewer than a few hundred bison remained.

“Owing to over a century of concerted conservation strategies, the bison population in the United States now exceeds 500,000,” stated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who also participated as a rider in the roundup. “Custer State Park’s bison herd has been instrumental in this resurgence.”

Originating from an initial group of 36 animals purchased in 1914, the current herd at the park is now under scrutiny for its sustainable size, estimated at about 1,000 animals. This estimation is based on meteorological conditions affecting grassland quality over the previous year, as stated by Snyder.

Approximately 500 bison will be selected for auction in the coming week. Park officials will evaluate which bison are best suited for retention within the park and which should be sold. Around 400 calves are born annually within the park’s confines.

Governor Noem elaborated, “We conduct the sales of selected bison each year with the intention of cross-breeding their genetics with other herds, thereby contributing to the overall health and viability of the species on a national scale.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Annual Bison Roundup in United States

More about Annual Bison Roundup in United States

• Custer State Park Official Website
• South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department
• Bison Conservation Efforts in the United States
• History of Bison in North America
• Sustainable Wildlife Management Practices
• Native American Culture and Bison
• Annual Bison Roundup Event Details
• Governor Kristi Noem’s Statement on Bison Conservation