American bison once roamed the North American Great Plains in vast numbers. These large grazing mammals were an integral part of the prairie ecosystem, influencing the landscape and supporting diverse life across what is now the central United States, including Nebraska.
Historical Presence and Decline
Before European settlement, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison inhabited the Great Plains, including Nebraska. Their grazing patterns created a mosaic of vegetation heights, benefiting many species and maintaining prairie health. Native American tribes across the plains, including those in Nebraska, relied heavily on bison for sustenance, shelter, and cultural practices.
Westward expansion in the 19th century led to a dramatic decline in bison populations. Large-scale hunting, driven by commercial interests and efforts to subjugate Native American tribes, decimated the herds. Habitat loss from agricultural development and fencing further contributed to their near extinction. By the late 1880s, the North American bison population plummeted to fewer than 1,000 individuals.
Current Status and Viewing Opportunities
American bison are present in Nebraska today, a testament to significant conservation efforts following their near extinction. These animals can be found in various locations across the state, offering public viewing opportunities and contributing to the health of Nebraska’s prairie ecosystems.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, near Valentine, is a notable location. Established in 1912, it received its first bison herd in 1913. Today, 300 to 400 bison roam its sandhills; this herd is recognized as one of the most genetically pure in the nation. Visitors can observe the herd from a scenic driving tour, and the refuge hosts an annual public bison roundup for population management.
The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve uses two bison herds for grassland management, where visitors can observe them grazing in the expansive open prairie. Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, western Nebraska, also maintains a bison herd across its 22,000 acres, providing viewing opportunities.
Near Omaha, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium operates the Wildlife Safari Park near Ashland, where visitors can drive through and observe bison in a natural setting. The Crane Trust in Wood River is reintroducing bison to help maintain healthy habitats for cranes, with a small exhibition herd available for viewing. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska reestablished a herd of over 300 bison on their tribal lands near Niobrara in 1990, demonstrating a cultural and ecological commitment. Many private ranches across Nebraska also raise bison, some integrating tourism to share the experience.
The Enduring Significance of Bison in Nebraska
Bison hold significant ecological and cultural meaning in Nebraska. As a keystone species, their actions have a disproportionately large impact on the prairie ecosystem. Their grazing patterns create a diverse mosaic of vegetation heights, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species, including grassland birds. This selective grazing helps to increase overall plant diversity.
Bison wallow by rolling in dust or mud, creating shallow depressions that collect rainwater, forming temporary microhabitats for insects and amphibians. Wallows contribute to soil aeration and encourage unique plant communities, enriching prairie biodiversity. Bison are also effective seed dispersers, carrying seeds on their fur and through their digestive systems. This dispersal aids in plant propagation and maintains genetic connectivity across the landscape.
Culturally, bison hold deep historical and spiritual significance for Native American tribes, including those who inhabited Nebraska. They were central to their way of life, providing essential resources like food, shelter, and tools. The re-establishment of bison herds on tribal lands, such as by the Ponca Tribe, symbolizes a reconnection to heritage and resilience.
The return of bison to Nebraska represents a conservation success, reflecting a commitment by federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, and private organizations to restore populations and their ecological functions. Their continued presence contributes to prairie health and symbolizes Nebraska’s natural legacy.