The present American Buffalo population has rebounded rapidly and is estimated at 350,000, compared to an estimated 75 to 100 million in the mid-19th century. However, most of the current herds are genetically polluted or partly crossbred with cattle. Presently there are only four genetically unmixed herds and only one that is also free of brucellious; it resides in the Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. A founder population of 16 animals from the Wind Cave herd was recently established in Montana by the American Prairie Association.

The only continuously wild buffalo herd in America is located within Yellowstone National Park. Numbering about 3,500, this herd is directly descended from a remnant population of 23 individual buffalo that survived the mass annihilation of the 1800s by hiding out in the Pelican Valley of Yellowstone Park.

The buffalo of Yellowstone Park have occasionally descended to lower elevations outside the park in search of winter forage. The presence of wild buffalo outside the park is perceived as a threat by many cattle ranchers, who fear that the small percentage of bison that carry brucellosis will infect their livestock and cause cows to abort their calves. However, there has never been a documented case of brucellosis being transmitted to cattle from wild bison. The controversy that began in the early 1980s continues to this day. Advocacy groups argue that the Yellowstone herd should be protected as a distinct population segment under the Endangered Species Act.

In Montana, where public herds require culling to control the target bison population, hunting was re-established in 2005.

Buffalo live 15 to 20 years in the wild, although the average lifespan depends on local predators, hunting pressures and natural disasters. Bison have been known to live up to 40 years in captivity.

The bison remains an icon of American culture, however our past treatment of this majestic animal is shameful. Hopefully we will carefully consider how to ensure an ecological future for the buffalo and all the wild creatures that still inhabit our precious planet.

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