Tens of millions of bison once thundered across much of North America, helping shape the landscape and keeping grasslands healthy.

Now the Yellowstone bison -- some of the last wild bison in North America -- face slaughter. As they leave the park's boundaries in search of winter feeding grounds, they are either hazed back into the park to possible starvation or shipped off to slaughter. This winter alone, a record number of bison -- more than 1,300 -- were killed by federal and Montana state officials.

Defenders is working to end to this modern-day bison slaughter by collaborating with state and federal officials to develop a more science-based bison management policy. We're also working to ensure that the buffalo can once again roam on thousands of acres of national forests and other public lands.

Commonly called “buffalo�?(which is actually a different species not found in North America), the bison is the largest land mammal in North America. Bison are considered a keystone species; they once roamed the continent in great herds, and their grazing pressure helped shape the ecology of North America’s Great Plains.

Two subspecies exist: the wood bison and the plains bison. Bison were hunted to near-extinction in the 1800s. Today bison are making a comeback, but significant hurdles remain. Defenders is working to help restore wild bison to Indian Reservations, National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.

Description

Bison can grow to over 6 feet at the shoulder, weight up to 2,000 pounds and reach speeds of up to 35 mph. They eat grass, moving continuously as they eat so that they rarely overgraze an area. They live 18 to 22 years in the wild. The females, or cows, lead family groups. Bulls remain solitary or in small groups for most of the year, but rejoin the group during mating season. In winter, bison can dig through deep snow with their heads to reach the vegetation below.

Habitat and Range

Bison once roamed across much of North America in great herds . Historically, bison numbered an estimated 20-30 million. Their constant grazing helped shape the ecology of North America’s Great Plains. Many species of plants and animals depended on them or benefited from them. Prairie dogs preferred the heavily-grazed areas they left, large wolf packs hunted them, and numerous scavengers feasted on bison carcasses.

Mass Slaughter of Bison

Unregulated shooting of bison, which culminated in mass slaughters during the 1870s, reduced the population to 1,091 in 1889. In 1893, efforts to protect the animals began.

Bison Populations Today

Today, approximately 500,000 bison live across North America. Most are not pure bison but rather have been cross-bred with cattle in the past and are raised as livestock on ranches. Fewer than 30,000 bison live in conservation herds. Yellowstone National Park has the largest population of free-roaming plains bison (about 4,000), and Wood Buffalo National Park has the largest population of free-roaming wood bison (about 10,000). Fewer than 5,000 bison are both free-ranging and disease-free.

The bison genome remains at risk due to cross-breeding with cattle. The few remaining genetically pure wild bison must be conserved separate from cross-bred bison to protect the pure bison genome.

Working Together to Conserve Bison

To overcome these challenges, several scientists, government agencies, tribes, first nations, and non-governmental organizations are working together to conserve North America’s bison. The Bison Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union’s Species Survival Commission is drafting a status report and conservation action plan for North American bison. The document will serve as a benchmark against which to evaluate conservation and recovery into the future and will provide guidelines for reintroductions and management of public and private herds

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American Indian Dogs

American Indian Dogs Our breeding program goals include maintaining the original mystical appearance, the working temperament of the old "spiritual dogs' of the past. Keeping the natural 'old ways' of breeding and culture from our elders; No close inbreeding, maintaining the original variables within each distinct type or bloodlines, for an outcross for, at least, every 4th generation. Emphasizing their loyal and nurturing survival instincts that help the (and us) survive and understand our modern 'fast fix' throw away modern culture. Plus trying to educate the public on what a true Indian Dog was and is today. (For more detailed information, on these subjects, see: "Foundation History and Old Dog Map Pages. Click on links to go there now.) Because we are trying to 'save' our American Indian Dog breed and keep them out of the hands of large AKC type registries and the backyard 'uneducated marketers', it is very important to us to keep our breed out of the 'political games' that appear from the blue blood, fast fix, the heck with the future, money grubbers. We are very choosey about who we place our American Indian Dogs with. We would rather have a smaller, healthier, controlled and happy population than an overpopulated rescue and unhappy, unhealthy backyard bred breed and their unhappy owners. There are now 600 very satisfied, educated and happy American Indian Dogs and their owners in our registry around the world. The American Indian Dog may be the rarest breed, but they are also the happiest, healthiest breed going into the future for future generations to enjoy. Please be aware that there are unscrupulous wolf and/or coyote hybrid breeders trying to market their hybrids off as 'so called' Native American Indian dogs or NAID's in those states that have outlawed the selling and breeding of wolf hybrids. They are selling them as something they are not. ( The true registered American Indian Dog is without a doubt the healthiest (mentally and physically) domestic canine left on our planet today. We are looking for owners (dog connoisseurs) for our breed that can truly appreciate and connect and bond with a more natural 'all around' dog breed. A person or family that can understand the capability and potential that a true, natural dog can have. If you can create that respectful teacher/alpha status with them, feel free to contact these associations listed below to find out what a true American Indian Dog is or if you want to know if a breeder is a true certified breeder: The American Indian Dog Registry IIDOBA - International Indian Dog Owners and Breeders Association ALBC - American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Please read all about the American Indian Dogs in this site and the sites listed below. If you are interested in adding an American Indian Dog to your life, puppies are $750.00 which includes the registration of your dog and a year's membership in the International Indian Dog Owner's and Breeders Association (IDOBA). Please call for a phone interview at 541-597-2871. This interview will determine if this is the right breed for you and visa versa.