Yes, American bison (Bison bison) are present in Montana, maintaining a complex status that reflects their historical importance and modern challenges. The bison is North America’s largest land mammal, and Montana is home to several distinct populations, including the only continuously wild, free-ranging herd in the United States. Their presence in the state is often a subject of controversy, involving a delicate balance between wildlife conservation, ranching interests, and tribal sovereignty.
Current Distribution and Population Status
Montana’s bison population is distributed across three main categories: free-ranging, conservation, and commercial herds. The most recognizable group is the Yellowstone National Park herd, which fluctuates between approximately 2,400 and 5,500 animals and seasonally migrates into Montana’s northern and western borders. These bison are genetically unique.
Conservation herds, which include those managed by tribal nations, represent a significant portion of the state’s total. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) manage a herd of about 350 animals on the Bison Range in western Montana. Further east, the Fort Peck (around 800) and Fort Belknap (over 200) Reservations maintain growing herds through reintroduction efforts. These tribal herds are culturally significant and help preserve the species’ genetic integrity.
The majority of bison in the state are managed as livestock on private ranches for commercial purposes, accounting for approximately 15,000 animals. This contributes to a total statewide population of nearly 21,000 bison. These commercial animals are often managed differently and may possess some cattle genes, distinguishing them from the wild, conservation herds.
The Complexities of Bison Management
The Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) is a cooperative effort that guides the handling of bison that leave Yellowstone National Park and enter Montana. Partner agencies include the National Park Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), and the Montana Department of Livestock (DoL).
A central point of contention is the legal status of the animals; outside of Yellowstone, wild bison are often treated as a “species in need of disease control” rather than solely as protected wildlife. The primary controversy revolves around the bacterial disease brucellosis. Although there are no documented cases of wild bison transmitting brucellosis to cattle in the wild, the risk drives management actions, including hazing, culling, and a quarantine program.
The state’s Department of Livestock plays a major role in regulating bison movement to protect Montana’s brucellosis-free status for domestic livestock. This regulatory environment often requires that free-ranging bison entering the state be captured, tested, or removed. Animals that test negative for brucellosis are sometimes transferred to tribal conservation programs through the Bison Conservation Transfer Program, which serves as a pathway for relocation to tribal lands.
A History of Survival and Recovery
The American bison once roamed the continent in herds numbering tens of millions, acting as a keystone species for the Great Plains ecosystem. In the 19th century, a concerted effort of commercial hunting and slaughter reduced the species to near-extinction. By the late 1880s, the only free-ranging bison remaining in the United States were a small group of approximately 25 individuals secluded in the remote interior of Yellowstone National Park.
Montana was a focal point for early recovery efforts. The Yellowstone herd, descended from those few survivors, represents the only continuous lineage of wild bison in the country. Another significant conservation action occurred in the early 1900s with the formation of the Pablo-Allard herd on the Flathead Indian Reservation, which was later used to stock the National Bison Range.
Conservation efforts have allowed the population to rebound significantly, though their range remains highly restricted compared to historical levels. The transfer of disease-free bison to tribal lands, such as Fort Peck and Fort Belknap, continues this conservation legacy by reestablishing the animal in its native habitat.
Where to View Bison Safely
Observing bison in Montana can be an unforgettable experience, provided visitors adhere to strict safety guidelines. The most reliable location for viewing free-ranging bison is the northern range of Yellowstone National Park, including the Lamar Valley and areas near Gardiner, especially during the winter migration. Another excellent destination is the CSKT Bison Range near Moiese, which offers self-directed driving tours, such as the Prairie Drive, where bison sightings are common.
Bison are unpredictable and can run up to 35 miles per hour, making it essential to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards at all times. If a bison appears agitated—indicated by head shaking, pawing the ground, or a raised tail—slowly back away. Never attempt to approach the animals for photographs, and always remain inside your vehicle if bison are near the road to ensure both your safety and the welfare of the herd.