National Bison Range

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National Bison Range
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)

Location:	Montana, USA
Nearest city:	Missoula, MT
Coordinates:	47°19′20″N, 114°12′42″W
Area:	18,500 acres (74 km²)
Established:	1908
Visitation:	est. 250,000 (in 2004)
Governing body:	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Established in 1908 as one of the earliest National Wildlife Refuges in the United States, the National Bison Range is located in western Montana. The size of the Bison herd at the National Bison Range is relatively small, numbering between 350 to 500 individuals. The refuge serves as the central point for Bison research in the U.S. Bison are an indigenous species only in North America and are related to the goat family. Bison are commonly referred to as Buffalo in the U.S., but they are not related to true Buffalo which are found only in eastern and southern Africa or the Water Buffalo which is found in Asia. The National Bison Range consists of approximately 18,500 acres (74 km²) and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a bureau under the U.S. Department of the Interior. Numerous other nearby National Wildlife Refuges are managed as parts of the National Bison Range Complex and include the Lost Trail, Ninepipe, Pablo and the Swan River National Wildlife Refuges. Also affiliated is the Northwest Montana Wetland Management District.

Bison Bull on the National Bison Range. Audio link [1]

Once believed to number in the tens of millions, Bison once were found in all the current U.S. states except Hawaii and also throughout Canada. By 1890, Bison were almost extinct, having been part of a U.S. Government sponsored program of eradication during the Indian Wars, thereby removing a vital food source from the Plains Indians diet, and ensuring easier relocation onto Indian Reservations. The Bison was also considered to be a less desirable food source over domesticated cattle because of their wild nature, and were viewed as competition for prime grazing lands that could be used by cattle. By the beginning of the 20th Century, efforts were made to attempt to preserve the remaining Bison and protect areas in which they could reconstitute. Today, approximately 250,000 Bison can be found on federal and state lands, as well as in privately owned herds. Bison has an average of 40% less fat content per pound over beef and a higher protein content as well. Most of the private herds are used as a food source and Bison is gaining in popularity and can oftentimes be found in grocery stores and restaurants.

The sign outside of the National Bison Range

The refuge provides a visitor center and two scenic roads that allow vehicular access to prime viewing areas. Elk (Wapiti), Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep and Black Bear also live on the refuge along with over 200 bird species. The refuge is approximately one hour north of Missoula, Montana with signs off of U.S. Highway 93 directing visitors to the entrance at Moiese, Montana, and the refuge headquarters.