In a bold move for conservation, Theodore Roosevelt National Park officials are set to gather and reduce the bison herd in North Dakota. The plan includes rehoming these iconic animals to several Native American tribes, fostering a unique collaboration for the preservation of both wildlife and cultural heritage.
In a choreographed dance of conservation, Theodore Roosevelt National Park officials are gearing up for a distinctive bison management initiative. This time, the spotlight is on a ‘bison capture’ operation, set to kick off in the South Unit near Medora this Saturday. The curtains are drawn for the public due to safety concerns, as officials work meticulously to gather and relocate bison to Native American tribes.
With a target to trim the bison population from approximately 700 to 400, the park’s strategy involves selectively removing bison of different ages. These bison, once relocated, will come under the watchful care of Native American tribes, injecting genetic diversity into existing tribal herds. Troy Heinert, the visionary Executive Director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, underscored the significance of this effort, specifying that the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, alongside the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, are set to welcome these majestic creatures. Heinert, himself of Sicangu Lakota descent, hinted that other tribes might join the buffalo conservation journey based on demographic considerations.
Picture this: a helicopter-led ballet, herding bison into a holding area, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Dakota landscape. Before the grand performance, a meticulous survey sets the stage, capturing a snapshot of the bison population.
Deputy Superintendent Maureen McGee-Ballinger revealed the park’s strategic dance moves, alternating captures between its North and South Units each year. This rhythm ensures the delicate balance of the herd, accounting for limited space, grazing needs, and overall herd health. It’s a dance of conservation, with every step carefully choreographed to protect both the iconic bison and the vast beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.