The last recorded wild bison sighting in West Virginia

WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Bison, once native to the vast landscapes of North America, were a common sight in what is now West Virginia.

However, their presence in the state was relatively short-lived, with approximately 75 years of recorded history documenting their existence.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, bison roamed parts of the state, contributing to the region’s ecosystem and providing sustenance to both Indigenous peoples and early European settlers.

As settlements expanded, the bison population began to dwindle due to overhunting and habitat loss.

The last known bison sighting in West Virginia occurred in 1825 near Valley Head in Randolph County. A bison cow and her calf were killed, marking the end of the species’ presence in the state.

This event closed a chapter on the bison’s brief role in the natural history of West Virginia. Today, no wild bison remain in West Virginia.