As sea levels dropped during the last ice age, the Bering Strait land bridge did more than emerge. It became a massive red carpet. Sensing its call, the ancestors of the American bison traveled from Asia to North America where they would eventually flourish. So much so, bison numbers were estimated at 60 million in the early 1700s.

By 1889, however, the total number in the United States and Canada plummeted to about 1,091 head – a stunning contrast brimming with explanations and implications. From grazing competition between bison and horses, to the hunting of bison for their hides, meat and bones, to European colonization, habitat loss, disease and other factors, the once-thriving beasts quickly found themselves facing extinction.

But thankfully, North America had begun taking action leading to total bison numbers of about 7,360 by 1919. While the comeback continues, bison still face habitat loss, diseases and genetic diversity issues. More work is therefore needed. Add in some extra public awareness and perhaps the ancestors will sense great things once again.

THE FALL

1700s
Settlers move westward, altering bison habitat.

1820s
No bison remain east of the Mississippi River.

1840s
Plains peoples join the bustling robe trade and harvest bison like never before.

1860s
Cattle disease rages. General William Tecumseh Sherman invites sportsmen to kill all bison.

1870s
A wholesale slaughter of bison ensues.

1889
Total bison population estimated to be just over 1,000 in the U.S. and Canada.

THE RESURGENCE

1896
The U.S. government obtains one bull and seven cows for Yellowstone National Park.

1913
American Bison Society has enough bison to restore a free-ranging herd in South Dakota.

2002
Approximately 350,000 bison living on public and private land in the U.S. and Canada.

2017
Over 500,000 bison living in the U.S. alone.

ONGOING CONSERVATION

1872
Yellowstone National Park opens in part to help restore bison.

1905
American Bison Society forms to join restoration efforts. New York City Zoo launches a breeding program.

1907
National Bison Range established on 18,500 acres in Montana.

2016
The bison is designated as the national mammal of the United States.