Oh, Give Me a Home…
Utah is becoming one of the nation’s leaders in the number of wild bison roaming within its borders.
In January, crews relocated 31 big shaggies from a herd in southeastern Utah to the remote, rugged Book Cliffs. The bison joined 14 others that had been relocated in August 2008.
The project dates back several decades; in 1941, 18 bison were moved from Yellowstone National Park to Utah’s San Rafael Desert. That herd was later moved to the Henry Mountains.
More recently, the state (using contributions) paid $4 million for three ranches in the Book Cliffs area and for grazing rights on public lands.
Nearby Ute Indians manage another herd; the state already has two other herds. All are allowed to run wild, much as they did in the mid-18th century, before most were killed off by hunters.
Officials expect the Book Cliffs bison to eventually number about 450.
801-538-4700 • Wildlife.Utah.gov
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