Frequently asked questions
Banff National Park
What does it mean to have bison back in Canada’s first national park after they were missing from the wild for over a century?
The arrival of 16 bison to the Panther Valley is an exciting conservation success-in-the-making for Banff and a new chapter in Parks Canada’s ongoing bison restoration story.
Archeological history
This bison skull found near the town of Banff is over 6,000 years old!
For thousands of years, bison roamed the valleys of what is now Banff National Park. They disappeared from this area around 140 years ago, but they left behind clues of their presence that we still find today.
Traditional knowledge, explorer accounts and archeological evidence tell us that bison travelled through this area.
Bison didn’t gather in the vast herds that were common on the plains, but even in low numbers, they helped shape the ecosystems that we enjoy today.
Ecological engineers
A bison lifts its head from the grass. Spring has arrived – bringing fresh shoots. It lets out a snort and then rolls on the ground to scratch an itch, leaving behind a tuft of warm winter fur.An endangered Olive-sided flycatcher swoops over the small herd and spots the fur blowing in the wind. Perfect to keep its chicks cozy in its new nest.
Bison are ecosystem engineers. They shape the landscape in ways that help many other plants and animals, ranging from bugs to birds to bears. Shedding their winter fur that is used by birds to line their nests is one example of the many ways bison impact the ecosystem.
Other examples of bison as ecosystem engineers include:
- Grazing and wallowing creates habitat for a range of animals including elk, ground squirrels and badgers.
- As North America’s largest land mammal, bison provide a rich source of nutrients for scavengers, bears and wolves.
Cultural importance
Bison are also vital to the history and culture of many indigenous peoples.
For thousands of years, many indigenous nations traveled through what is now Banff National Park, hunting bison and burning forests and meadows to improve habitat quality for bison and other animals.
For indigenous peoples, bison traditionally provided a range of life-sustaining resources including:
- food – especially in the form of pemmican;
- hides for tipi walls;
- bones and sinew for tools and
- leather for clothing such as moccasins.
In January 2017, Parks Canada hosted a blessing ceremony at Elk Island National Park indigenous nations in Treaty 6 and 7 and the Metis of Alberta to give bison a proper spiritual send-off before their journey to Banff.
To honour the connection between indigenous cultures and bison, Parks Canada is committed to welcoming indigenous peoples to reconnect with bison. This may include sharing traditional knowledge, participating in ceremonies or getting involved in on-the-ground activities.
Disappearance
The plains of North America were once rich with the sounds of snorts, rumbles and pounding hoofsteps of vast herds of bison.
Their herds once numbered as big as 30 million, but bison nearly became extinct within a single human lifetime. Many factors led to their near-disappearance, but over-hunting was the main cause that left less than 1,000 surviving bison.
By the 1850s, bison had also vanished from the Banff area – leaving a hole in both the ecosystem and in the human communities that depended on them.
Luckily, bison were given a second chance – thanks in large part to the leadership of Parks Canada.
Conservation legacy
For over a century, Parks Canada has been an international leader in bison conservation – helping bring bison back from the brink of extinction.
In the early 1900s, 700 plains bison from the last wild herds were bought by the Government of Canada from a rancher in Montana. The bison were shipped north to Elk Island and Buffalo national parks.
Buffalo National Park (near Wainwright, Alberta) closed thirty years later due to disease, overgrazing, and lack of funding, but the bison in Elk Island National Park thrived. They are now the primary seed stock for reintroduction projects around the world, including Montana, Russia, Alaska, and Grasslands National Park.
Parks Canada also manages wild, free-roaming bison in Prince Albert National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park and protects several display herds across the country.
The paddock
Do you remember visiting Banff National Park and taking a drive through the bison paddock? Windows down, you smelled an earthy scent in the air when bison wallowed in the dust. If you listened carefully, you could heard their grunts as they grazed under the aspen trees.
Bison conservation in Canada started here in Banff in 1897 when a handful of the few remaining wild bison left in North America protected as a display herd in the bison paddock.
The paddock was an attraction for visitors to the park and now a fond memory for many who had a chance to experience it.
The enclosure and the bison were removed in 1997 to reconnect the flow of wildlife movement around the Town of Banff.
Once the bison were gone, a conversation started to bring bison back to Banff…but this time as wild animals rather than as a display herd in a fenced paddock.
New beginnings
The reintroduction began with a small herd of bison being released in a holding pen on the eastern slopes of Banff National Park. The second phase occurred 18 months later, when that same herd and its newly born calves were released into the remote 1200km2 reintroduction zone in the backcountry of the park.
The 5-year pilot has now concluded. The original 16 translocated animals have adapted quickly to Banff’s mountain environment and remained healthy, growing to close to 100 animals. Informed by Indigenous, stakeholder and public review and input, Parks Canada is pleased to present the final Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022.The Report follows the direction of the 2015 Plains Bison Reintroduction Plan and summarizes key learnings.
The final report is now available to the public, along with a ‘What We Heard’ summary of engagement with Indigenous groups, the public and key stakeholders. Parks Canada is pleased to announce that, moving forward, Banff will work towards keeping bison on the landscape within Banff National Park while the Agency explores future options for bison management through the development of a bison management plan. Indigenous peoples and stakeholders will continue to be informed and involved throughout this process.
FAQ's
Why bring bison back to Banff National Park?
Wild bison disappeared from what is now called Banff National Park before the park was created in 1885.
Restoring bison in Banff is important for the following reasons:
- Ecological and Conservation Benefits
Bison are key grazers that once shaped the valleys in what is now Banff National Park. As a keystone species, they change the landscape in ways that help many plants and animals. The reintroduced Banff population represents an important contribution to the recovery of this wild plains bison across North America. - Cultural Reconnection
Bison were a vital part of the lives of Indigenous people in this area, and they still play an important role in many Indigenous cultures. Restoring bison to the landscape will renew cultural and historical connections. The return of bison to Banff is a small piece of a larger (movement) where bison are being returned to landscapes across North America. - Inspiring Discovery
The return of bison will provide opportunities for visitors and Canadians to learn about the ecological and cultural importance of this iconic animal.
What did the reintroduction look like?
The Conclusion of the Pilot (2022)
- Parks Canada has reached the end of the five-year Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot. To mark this conclusion, Parks Canada prepared the Report on the Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017 – 2022 and sought feedback from Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and the public over a 30-day engagement period. From November 9, 2022 – December 14, 2022 Canadians were encouraged to review the Report and share feedback.
- Input received during engagement helped to inform and finalize the Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022. The final report is now available to the public, along with a ‘What We Heard’ summary of engagement.
Next Steps (2023 and Ongoing)
- The reintroduction pilot has helped Banff National Park understand how we can keep bison on the landscape in Banff National Park. Based on the feedback received throughout the five-year pilot and the recent public engagement period, support for sustaining reintroduced bison in Banff National Park continues to be high.
- Parks Canada is pleased to announce that, moving forward, we will work towards keeping bison on the landscape in Banff while the Agency explores options for sustainable bison population management and range expansion through the development of a bison management plan.
What is the Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022?
The Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot summarizes what Parks Canada learned over the 5-year pilot period bison were reintroduced and managed in Banff National Park. The Report summarizes the results of the pilot and includes results of the reintroduction and subsequent monitoring.
Comment and questions received during engagement helped to inform and finalize the Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022. The final report is now available to the public, along with a ‘What We Heard’ summary of engagement.
What were the goals of the pilot and were they achieved?
The goals and objectives of the Reintroduction Pilot included supporting ecological integrity, facilitating cultural connections, and providing learning and stewardship opportunities, both in the park and from afar. Overall, the goals and objectives of the pilot were achieved.
- The bison remained healthy and demonstrated a healthy growth rate with minimal mortalities. They adapted quickly to the mountain habitat, and they remained, for the most part, within the Park.
- Negative impacts to other species were not observed, and there were no threats to human safety or property damage reported.
- Establishing and strengthening relationships occurred through the involvement of Indigenous Nations and stakeholders throughout the pilot.
- A variety of educational programs provided the opportunity to enrich visitor experience and understanding.
How did Parks Canada evaluate the success of the pilot?
Based on the 2015 Reintroduction Plan for Plains Bison, Parks Canada evaluated eight (8) key indicators, the results of which are included in the Report:
- Visitor safety and experience impacts;
- Relationships with Indigenous groups and stakeholders;
- Response to citizen engagement and stewardship programs;
- Bison home ranges, monitoring and responses;
- Mitigating effects of the bison project on other species;
- Bison population growth and population targets;
- Public awareness, education and appreciation;
- Factors influencing bison movement and habitat selection.
Almost 120 million people watched, read, and listened to updates about the project over the last 7 years. The Bison Reintroduction Pilot offered Canadians many learning opportunities to enrich visitor experience and understanding of ecological restoration in national parks.
Are the bison now self-sustaining?
Yes, and no. The 16 animals which were translocated from Elk Island National Park in 2017 adapted quickly to Banff’s mountain environment and now number over 130 animals, showing robust health and population growth. However, the bison still require active management to keep them in the 1200 km2 reintroduction zone, including short sections of wildlife-friendly bison drift fencing, and infrequent hazing and recapture of wayward animals by the Parks Canada team.
The pilot has now concluded. What happens now? How do I get involved?
Parks Canada is pleased to announce that, moving forward, we will work towards keeping bison on the landscape in Banff while the Agency explores future options for bison management such as range expansion through the development of a bison management plan. Indigenous peoples and stakeholders will continue to be informed and involved throughout this process.
Where are the bison now?
Within the reintroduction zone, imagine a network of river valleys that wind through lush meadows. Tall grassy slopes glow against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. If you listen at dusk, you may hear the haunting beauty of an elk bugle or a pack of wolves howling in the distance.
That is a glimpse of the remote eastern slopes of Banff National Park. Now home to big horned sheep, elk, bears, wolves, and…bison!
In summer 2018, we released the herd into a 1200 km2 reintroduction zone, spanning a large portion of the eastern slopes of Banff National Park including parts of the Panther, Dormer, Cascade and Red Deer River Valleys.
Where is the reintroduction zone?
For the scope of this pilot project, the herd will roam a reintroduction zone spanning 1200 km2 in the eastern slopes of Banff National Park. This remote wilderness area and valleys provides habitat and food sources that bison need to thrive.
The Panther, Dormer and Red Deer River Valleys form the core of the area. The herd has been exploring other parts of reintroduction zone such as the Cascade River Valley within the first few years of the free-roaming phase.
Short stretches of wildlife-friendly fencing on the edges of the reintroduction encourage bison to remain within the reintroduction zone while allowing other wildlife to pass safely.
Are there any impacts on backcountry users?
Backcountry users can access the reintroduction zone on foot or by horseback. See answers to questions below for guidelines for safe travel in bison country and for permitting information.
Backcountry travel is not permitted during harvesting activities and will be indicated as such on the important bulletins when there is an area closure in place.
Can I see the bison?
The herd roams Banff’s remote eastern slopes. For experienced backcountry users travelling in this area, it may be possible to encounter free-roaming bison. Like all wildlife in national parks, chances to see wildlife are special, unpredictable and never guaranteed.
It is also possible, but unlikely, that bison may be encountered at any time outside of the intended reintroduction zone. For information on safe-viewing practices for bison and other wildlife, please visit our website.
What do I need to know before travelling in bison country?
- Experienced backcountry users interested in travelling within the reintroduction zone need to be prepared for remote, non-motorized backcountry travel.
- Visitors traveling in the backcountry must purchase a wilderness pass and backcountry camping fees (and grazing fees for equestrian users).
- Book your backcountry travel at visitor centres located in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and/or Yoho national parks.
Check for regular safety updates and information regarding backcountry travel.
How did the bison get to Banff?
Watch the behind-the-scenes journey of bringing bison from Elk Island National Park to Banff.
How will bison shape the landscape?
Bison are a keystone species. That means that they alter the landscape in ways that benefit many other plants and animals. For example:
- Bison fur provides insulation for bird nests.
- Their grazing patterns create vibrant habitat for other grazers such as elk.
- As North America’s largest land mammal, bison provide a rich source of nutrients for scavengers, bears and wolves.
We will be monitoring how the return of bison influences the landscape as they start to fulfil their role as a keystone species once again.
How are the bison doing?
The bison are doing well. They are in the Panther and Red Deer Valleys of Banff National Park, well within the target reintroduction zone. They are spending most of their time on grassy slopes and in open meadows. Their daily movements are shorter in winter than in spring, summer and fall.
What caused the near-extinction of bison?
For thousands of years, vast herds of plains bison traveled the plains of North America. Some also roamed the area that is now Banff National Park.
Once thundering in numbers as large as 30 million, bison nearly became extinct within a single human lifetime. Although many factors led to their near-disappearance, over-hunting was the main cause that left fewer than 1,000 bison.
Luckily, bison were given a second chance – thanks in large part to the conservation leadership of Parks Canada.
What role does Parks Canada play in bison conservation?
Banff National Park’s reintroduction is a new chapter in the larger story of Parks Canada’s bison conservation legacy.
Banff National Park (then Rocky Mountains Park) protected the first display herd of bison in 1897, and since then, Parks Canada has been an international leader in bison conservation.
In 1907, the Government of Canada purchased one of the last and largest herds of surviving bison from a rancher in Montana. The descendants of those bison created Parks Canada’s seed herd at Elk Island National Park that supports bison restoration projects worldwide.
Parks Canada also manages wild, free-roaming bison in Prince Albert National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park and protects several display herds across the country.
What’s the difference between bison and buffalo?
It depends! In general, when people in North America use the term “bison” or “buffalo”, they usually mean the American bison. The term “buffalo” is a more informal name, whereas their scientific name is bison.
There are also two true species of buffalo – the Asian water buffalo and the African buffalo. The American bison is distantly related to those species, but most closely related to the European bison (or wisent).
Parks Canada tends to use “bison”, but both terms are correct. Many indigenous nations commonly refer to them “buffalo”.
How are you involving Indigenous people in the reintroduction?
There is a strong connection between Indigenous culture and bison.
To honour that special relationship, Parks Canada is committed to welcoming Indigenous peoples to reconnect with bison as part of the reintroduction. Parks Canada involved several Indigenous communities in the consultation phases of the project, and sustaining the reintroduction will continue through collaboration and cooperation with the Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC).
Making sure that bison received proper blessings before they returned to the Banff landscape was a key part of the project. Parks Canada hosted a blessing ceremony on the shore of Lake Minnewanka with Buffalo Treaty signatories and celebrated at a second ceremony at Elk Island to mark the departure of the herd to Banff. Ceremonies at other key milestones in the project (for example, in the soft-release pasture before the free roaming phase began) continue to help prepare the bison for their next steps.
The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) and Parks Canada are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first Indigenous-led ceremonial bison harvest in Banff National Park. This IAC-led pilot project marks the first bison hunt on the lands of what is now known as Banff National Park since before the park’s establishment, nearly 145 years ago. This is the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful relationship with these communities as bison return to the ecological – and cultural – landscape of Canada’s first national park.
In fall of 2024, Parks Canada team members from several National Parks participated in the 10th Anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty, a Treaty of cooperation, renewal and restoration. Our journey with Indigenous people and bison continues.
How do you keep bison from leaving the reintroduction zone?
Parks Canada is using a comprehensive approach to encourage bison to remain within the reintroduction zone. This includes:
- We selected a reintroduction zone that is mostly naturally contained with steep, rocky ridges;
- Parks Canada implemented a “soft-release” approach by holding the herd in an enclosed pasture for 18 months to allow the herd to calve twice and anchor to their new home;
- Using short stretches of wildlife-friendly wire fencing in 5key pinchpoints to discourage bison from leaving the reintroduction zone;
- Burning meadows to create additional attractive bison habitat;
- Monitoring the herd by maintaining satellite linked GPS collars on a portion of the animals;
- Responding quickly to reports of bison excursions from the reintroduction zone, and using gentle hazing and baiting techniques to bring them back.
What kind of fencing will you use?
Bison share their new home with other native species, including bighorn sheep, elk and bears.
To discourage bison from leaving the reintroduction zone while allowing other wildlife species to cross freely, we are using wildlife-friendly fencing at key pinch-points on the edges of the reintroduction zone.
To determine an ideal design, we completed 3.5 years of fence design testing in the reintroduction zone. Based on the findings, we chose an adjustable wire fence that exceeds all standards for wildlife-friendly fencing elsewhere in North America. We published our results here.
We continued to monitor the permeability of the bison drift fences for other species over the longer-term using remote cameras and GPS collar data. The fences have been effective in deflecting bison while allowing other species through. We published our follow-up results in 2024 here.
How can you be sure that introduced bison are healthy?
The chance of bison introducing or being exposed to diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis or anthrax in Banff National Park is estimated to be negligible-to-low.
Due to the potential negative impacts linked to these diseases, we developed a Bison Health Monitoring and Disease Response Plan with the Province of Alberta.
Key components of the plan include:
- Only healthy bison were released into Banff National Park. The animals were chosen from Elk Island National Park, a brucellosis and tuberculosis-free area for more than 40 years.
- Careful health monitoring of the herd and immediate follow-up of any symptoms by a wildlife health specialist.
- Minimizing interaction with neighbouring livestock by encouraging bison to remain within the reintroduction zone.
- In the unlikely event that disease is detected, acting quickly to prevent further risks to bison or any other species. This response may include additional disease testing, monitoring, quarantine, and if necessary, culling the herd.
What should people do if they encounter a free-roaming bison?
It is important to note that bison may be encountered within or beyond the reintroduction zone at any time.
If you encounter free-roaming bison:
- Maintain a safe distance of 100 metres from bison when traveling by foot or by horseback.
- Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look.
- If you encounter bison, do not approach. Choose an alternate route. Watch their movements and give them space (100 metres).
- If a bison approaches you, remain calm and do not run. Back away slowly and try to maintain a physical barrier, such as a tree, between you and the animal.
- Be especially wary of female bison with young calves (spring) and male bison during rutting season (July/August).
- Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times.
- Respect all warnings, area closures, and travel restrictions.
If you encounter an aggressive bison, please notify Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470 when safe to do so.
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