Rare Bison Released to Minneopa State Park Through Efforts of DNR and Minnesota Zoo

By Vanessa Torres

Minnesota -(Ammoland.com)- Eleven genetically rare bison have been released into Minneopa State Park near Mankato as part of the newest efforts by the Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Zoological Gardens (Minnesota Zoo) to expand the Minnesota Conservation Bison Herd.

Background
At one time, bison herds in North America were estimated to number between 30 and 60 million animals, and they roamed throughout Minnesota except the northeastern portion. Populations in Minnesota are unknown, but reports from the 1700s to 1800s suggest they were numerous. During the late 19th century, bison were hunted to near extinction until less than 1,000 animals remained in the entire United States. The last wild bison observed in Minnesota was in Norman County in 1880.

Bison were reintroduced to Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in 1961. Genetic testing of the herd from 2011-2013 found they were largely free of any genetic material that would have come from cross-breeding with cattle, making them rare. Of the more than 500,000 bison in North America, less than 30,000 fit into this category.

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