Yellowstone Park Bison Herd refers to the population of American bison (Bison bison) that inhabits Yellowstone National Park in the United States. As the country's oldest national park, Yellowstone spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, covering approximately 2.2 million acres. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and the bison herd is one of its most iconic and significant features.
The Yellowstone Park Bison Herd consists of a large group of bison that roam freely within the park's boundaries. Bison are a keystone species in North America and hold cultural and ecological significance. They are often considered a symbol of the American West. The herd plays a vital role in maintaining the park's ecosystem, as they graze on grasses and contribute to seed dispersal.
With an estimated population fluctuating between 2,300 and 5,000 individuals, the Yellowstone Park Bison Herd is one of the largest and genetically purest bison herds in North America. The animals have roamed this region for thousands of years and are genetically distinct from most other bison populations, making them important for conservation efforts.
Despite their protected status within the park, the Yellowstone Park Bison Herd occasionally faces management challenges due to concerns about overgrazing, conflicts with livestock grazing, and the potential spread of diseases like brucellosis. These factors have led to controversial management practices, including bison culling and population control measures, to maintain a balance between the herd's ecological impacts, disease control, and conservation efforts.
