100 Bison Successfully Relocated from Grand Canyon’s North Rim

Photo byM. Quinn

On September 13, wildlife managers at Grand Canyon National Park achieved a significant milestone by relocating 100 bison from the park's North Rim. The bison were transferred to the Intertribal Buffalo Council, which facilitated their journey to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.

This relocation effort is part of a broader initiative that began in 2018 to manage bison overpopulation at the Grand Canyon. To date, 306 bison have been removed from the North Rim, with 282 of these animals having been transferred to various American Indian tribes under an agreement with the Intertribal Buffalo Council.

The National Park Service (NPS) began addressing the bison overpopulation issue in 2014 through a science-based planning process. By 2017, the Initial Bison Herd Reduction Plan was finalized, which includes strategies for live capture, transfer, and limited lethal removal. As of summer 2024, the estimated bison population in the park was approximately 378 animals.

Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable praised the collaborative efforts involved in the successful relocation, stating, “This successful relocation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all our partners. It represents a significant step toward achieving our long-term goals for bison management and conservation.”

The NPS extends its gratitude to all the agencies and organizations involved, including the Intertribal Buffalo Council, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Forest Service, and the NPS Office of Public Health. Their collaboration has been crucial in implementing the science-based strategies outlined in the 2017 Bison Herd Reduction Plan.