Historic homecoming

Over 140 years ago, plains bison were hunted nearly to extinction throughout the Great Plains and the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide, including the area that later became Banff National Park. The consequences have been significant, including reduced biodiversity and a loss of ecosystem function. As a keystone species, bison have a disproportionately large influence on other species and natural communities. Their presence on the landscape helps maintain habitat diversity for an array of plants and animals, especially grassy meadows, and the movement of bison herds redistributes nutrients and energy resources throughout the ecosystem. Their loss has also deeply affected Indigenous peoples, who have vital cultural connections with bison. In short, the absence of plains bison in Banff has created a cascade of adverse ecological and cultural impacts.