A bison capture is scheduled to begin October 16 and continue through October 27 at Wind Cave National Park.
For safety reasons, this operation will be closed to the public. The park plans to reduce the current population of approximately 500 bison to 400 by removing yearlings and two-year olds. A helicopter will be used to herd bison into a holding area October 18- 20. The last bison capture in the park was in 2021.
Bison removed from the park will be offered to Tribal Nations through the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC). The ITBC is a federally recognized Tribal organization that delivers live bison to member Tribes, supports establishment of Tribal bison herds, and supports the historical, cultural, traditional, and spiritual relationship of Tribes and bison.
Bison bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand six feet or more at the shoulder. Bison cows are smaller, weighing up to 1,100 pounds and stand four to five feet at the shoulder. Both bulls and cows have horns. Bison are herbivores or plant eaters, and feed primarily on grasses. They are often seen in or near prairie dog towns where they find new grass shoots. Because bison are constrained to park lands by a perimeter fence, periodic captures are necessary to maintain appropriate numbers relevant to available resources.
Additional information about bison and Wind Cave National Park can be found on the park website www.nps.gov/wica.