Are There Wild Buffalo In Alberta? Exploring Albertas Bison Population

Buffalo, also known as bison, largely vanished from the northern plains of Alberta by 1879. While a few small herds occasionally strayed into Canadian territory, the prevailing belief in the Western region was that the bison’s extinction would happen in the distant future. This information was last updated on September 5, 2021.

What led to the decline of the bison population in Alberta is a complex historical story. In the 1800s, the wood bison faced severe overhunting, resulting in a drastic reduction in their numbers. By the early 20th century, Northern Alberta was left with only a meager population of a few hundred individuals. The situation worsened when, between 1925 and 1928, hybridization with plains bison occurred within Wood Buffalo National Park, a critical habitat for wood bison. This interbreeding threatened the genetic purity of the wood bison population. By 1957, the wood bison were on the brink of extinction in Canada, with many believing they had disappeared entirely. This series of events paints a sobering picture of the challenges faced by the wood bison in Alberta.

“Looking to spot wild buffalo in Canada? You’ll want to head to Elk Island National Park, the country’s sole fully enclosed national park. This unique feature allows Parks Canada to actively oversee and manage the bison populations within the park. Despite its name, Elk Island National Park isn’t just about elk – it’s also renowned for its thriving bison population. While the park may host up to 500 elk, they can be elusive, making bison the main attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. So, if you’re keen on witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, Elk Island National Park is the place to be. This information was last updated on May 14, 2019.”