MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

STRONG CITY, KANSAS — The bison herd at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve grew to 14 with the birth of a calf on Sunday, May 9, 2010. The bison calf is the first born on the property since at least the mid-1800s, when the property was fenced for cattle ranching. The mother and calf have only been seen from a distance and appear to be doing well.

 

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve brought 13 bison from Wind Cave National Park last October. The preserve’s bison herd will be managed as a satellite population to the Wind Cave bison herd. Management plans at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve call for a final herd size between 75 and 100 animals. The preserve plans to add more bison from Wind Cave as they become available.

 

“This is very exciting for our reintroduction effort, as well as the future park visitors,” said Alan Pollom, State Director of The Nature Conservancy Kansas Chapter.

Interest in the bison herd has remained high with both the local and visiting public. The herd can be viewed either on foot or by NPS tour bus as preserve trails run through or adjacent to the bison pasture.

 

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the bison herd are co-managed with our partner, The National Park Service.