The Bison Population

A. Montana seeks to maintain a free-ranging wild bison population in southwestern Montana, protect the Montana livestock industry from brucellosis, and manage bison like it does other wildlife.

A. No. There is no shortage of Yellowstone bison. With more than 3,900 bison, the Yellowstone herd remains healthy. In addition, there are other wild herds in places such as Wind Cave in South Dakota, National Bison Range in Montana, Henry’s Mountains in Utah, and Wood Buffalo in Alberta, Canada.

A. The Yellowstone bison population is estimated at 3,900, and the population continues to grow.

A. While there is no specified carrying capacity for bison in the Interagency Bison Management Plan, the plan identifies a management threshhold of 3,000 animals.

A. Because of the expanding population, bison migrate out of Yellowstone National Park and into Montana during the winter months seeking available forage.

A. The Yellowstone bison population is 3,900 animals, and continues to grow at an average rate of 600-700 calves each year. Some of the bison carry brucellosis, a disease that poses a threat to Montana’s livestock industry. The disease can cause cows to abort, or result in premature and weakened calves, which in turn can increase operating costs and affect the ability of all Montana cattle ranchers to transport and sell their products.