American Bison Population Rebounds to Over 400,000 Following Complex 19th-Century Decline

The American bison, once numbering in the tens of millions, experienced a catastrophic decline in the 19th century before a remarkable resurgence in modern times. Historical accounts suggest vast herds, with one social media post indicating, "80-100 million Bison roamed America in 1500. By 1700 it was 20 million. By 1850 10 million." This initial reduction was influenced by various factors, including increased hunting by Indigenous peoples who, after acquiring horses, became more efficient hunters and engaged in the burgeoning fur and robe trade.

The most severe period of decline occurred in the mid-to-late 19th century, primarily driven by commercial hunting by non-Native settlers. This market hunting, often sanctioned by the U.S. government as a strategy to undermine Native American resistance by destroying their primary food source, led to millions of bison being killed for their hides and tongues. "At the peak of market hunting in the 1870’s between 5-9 million Bison were killed," a social media post highlighted, underscoring the scale of this commercial slaughter.

Beyond direct hunting, other significant factors contributed to the bison's near-extinction. Research indicates that cattle-borne diseases, such as Texas tick fever and anthrax, caused massive die-offs in bison populations. Severe droughts also played a role, exacerbating conditions and making herds more vulnerable. Some historians suggest that the decimation of Native American populations by European diseases, which preceded widespread commercial hunting, disrupted traditional indigenous land management practices, further impacting the ecosystem's balance.

By the late 1800s, the species was on the brink of disappearance. "By 1884, when there were only 3,000 left, Americans initiated the conservation program," according to the social media post. This critical juncture spurred early conservation efforts, notably the founding of the American Bison Society in 1905, which led to the establishment of protected herds.

Today, thanks to sustained conservation initiatives, the American bison population has dramatically recovered. Current estimates place the total population at over 400,000, with tens of thousands living in wild, free-ranging herds across North America. These efforts, including reintroduction programs and careful management by both government agencies and tribal nations, aim to ensure the long-term survival and ecological role of this iconic species.