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In the fall of 2018, I began an indepth research project about bison in the GYA. This is the culmination of six months of researching, conducting interviews, and simply living with bison as a Gardiner resident on the border of Yellowstone National Park. This website contains research essays, interview recordings, and numerous other works centering around bison. While I express some opinions and suggested management actions, I truly believe that it is possible to have a reasonable discussion and find sustainable solutions to the problems that bison present.
In the fall of 2018, I began an indepth research project about bison in the GYA. This is the culmination of six months of researching, conducting interviews, and simply living with bison as a Gardiner resident on the border of Yellowstone National Park. This website contains research essays, interview recordings, and numerous other works centering around bison. While I express some opinions and suggested management actions, I truly believe that it is possible to have a reasonable discussion and find sustainable solutions to the problems that bison present.
I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoy!
-Zander Opperman
-Zander Opperman
The Past to Present
The Past to Present
A bull bison grazes with Starlinging on its back in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Zander Opperman
Bison used to range from Alaska to Mexico and from the Rockies to the Appalachians; an estimated 30-40 million populated the continent. To many Native American cultures, this animal was at the center. The Lakota called bison "Tatanka" which roughly translates to "he who owns us". Food, shelter, clothing, decoration and tools could be provided by bison. The introduction of horses and guns allowed for year round hunting; this also meant a new trading market with Europeans. Hunting pressure quickly increased: bison hide was an ideal material for machine belts in the industrial revolution and many believed that with the eradication of the bison would also go Native American culture. On top of this, trophy and sport hunting - which usually left the entire carcasses except the hide - added to the tolls on bison herds. By 1890, bison had largely been eliminated from the Great Plains. The last herd remained in the protected Yellowstone National Park: 23 resided in the Pelican Valley. One of the greatest conservation successes was put into action. A few bull bison were imported from private herds and the bison were ranched at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Eventually, numbers recovered to the point where bison could be successful as wild animals. With survival rates around 95% for adults and 85% for calves, Yellowstone bison quickly expanded.
Yet this is not the end of this centuries long saga. European cattle introduced Brucella abortus to bison and elk in the Greater Yellowstone Area. The disease was widespread in livestock well into the 20th century. An intensive eradication program began in the 1930's to eliminate Brucellosis. It was practically eliminated from cattle herds by the 21st century. The one place that has yet to achieve Brucellosis Free Status is the Greater Yellowstone Area; half of bison and elk are currently infected. Highly restrictive Federal and Montana State regulations govern animals of the GYA. The Interagency Bison Management Plan was put in place in the early 2000's to help coordinate bison management between federal, state and tribal agencies. Currently, bison are allowed to migrate 15 miles into the Gardiner Basin. However, in the spring, they are hazed back into park. Bison rarely make it to Yankee Jim do to pressure from hunting. Tolerance for these large creatures has increased, but there is still a long ways to go to have a free roaming herd.
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