The bison are back

Thanks for the link.

In the Lower 48 States, over 98% of the animals called "bison" or "buffalo" are descendants of experiments to hybridize bison with domestic cattle breeds. This is a big problem for survival of the species. The biggest reservoir of pure bison genetics is the Yellowstone herd. Second is probably the Wind Cave National Park herd. Slowly, over the years attempts have been made to establish smaller herds across the country.

But it is very important that the progeny of hybrids be kept absolutely separate from the pure stock of bison. The article indicates that the Blackfeet have a commercial "bison" herd of 400 animals whose genetics have been compromised with cattle genes. So while I'm happy that pure genetics will return to the Blackfeet, I hope the tribe will be very careful to make sure these good bison do not risk mingling with the commercial herd.

I'm also happy that the article made the point that there is a difference. The preservation of bison as a species requires that the public understand the difference and not settle for impure stock. Part of the crime of culling Yellowstone's herd is that pure bison genetics are being slaughtered instead of being spread out over the country to preserve the species in herds segregated from the cattle-tainted commercial breeds.