The EssentiaList

Bison Mother & Calf

by Catherine Haug, May 12, 2012

(Photo above by Steve Morello, used with permission, and is also used on WWF-Conservation Action Network site) 

Bison (buffalo) meat is becoming increasingly popular, as it is recognized for its healthfulness and nutritional value, not to mention its flavor. But these bison are kept on ranches like cattle and indeed likely include some cattle genetics because of breeding with cows. These are not the same as the original prairie bison that thrived on the great American Plains until the mid-1800s.

But some bison with pure bison genetics do exist in Montana, and last month, a herd of these were moved to the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation and received with great fanfare. Subsequently a supreme court decision required these bison not be moved to another reservation, nor can any more of the bison be moved until further study and gathering of public opinion can be done.

Some believe that to become truly sustainable, we must do what we can to restore natural (native) habitat and wildlife; that this applies to the American bison. Others, such as some Montana ranchers and farmers, see the restoration of native bison herds as a threat to their livelihood and communities.

Regardless of where you stand on this important issue, it helps to know as much as you can, and to express your opinion in a public forum. An opportunity to do just that is coming up next week in Kalispell. Read on for the event notice, and for more on Bison history. (more…)