The National Park Service's acting director, Jessica Bowron, has described the recovery of Yellowstone's wild bison as an "incredible conservation story." The park's bison population has grown significantly since the early 20th century, when the species was nearly wiped out across its historic range.
According to Bowron, the conservation effort has shifted from saving the herd to managing a thriving one. The Park Service has been working with its Tribal, state, local, and federal partners to rebuild the bison population through careful scientific work and cooperation. This effort has taken decades to achieve.
The Bison Conservation Transfer Program has been instrumental in relocating live bison to Tribal partners, who can manage their herds according to their own priorities and sovereignty. Since 2019, more than 600 bison have been transferred to 29 tribes across 13 states, with over 200 relocated in 2026 alone.
Bowron noted that the challenge at Yellowstone has changed from rebuilding the population to managing the healthy herd that already exists. The Park Service continues to pursue live-transfer opportunities with tribes interested in establishing or expanding conservation herds.
The Yellowstone story serves as a reminder that conservation wins often take time and cooperation among multiple stakeholders. Rebuilding bison populations has required decades of scientific monitoring and collaboration among Tribal, state, local, and federal partners.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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