Another good year has been had by Alaska’s wood bison herd. Recent population surveys have shown that the Lower Innoko Rivers herd and Yukon Rivers herd are healthy and growing.
In 2015, 130 animals were transplanted from Alberta, Canada to start the herd. The bison experienced significant losses in 2018-2020 due to heavy snows and winter rains. However, the weather has improved over the past two years and there has been a rebound with near-record calf and calf production.
Tom Seaton, Department of Fish and Game Wood Bison Biologist, says that a Nov. 28 Population Survey reveals significant herd growth.
He stated that the minimum number of bison in the area was 150. The population grew by 45% due to natural growth, such as a good calf crop, good survival rates of yearlings, and good yearlings.
Seaton claims that the remaining 26% of growth was due to the addition of 28 yearlings. These were again imported from Canada and dragged out to the Lower Innoko River this summer. He believes the young animals can accelerate herd growth.
He said, “Once they reach the reproductive age classes which are like three to twenty years of age, they’ll produce a lot more calves.”
Alaska Native groups, Fish and Game and the Bureau of Land Management have been involved in the wood bison reintroduction program. The aim is to restore the animals to Alaska, where they were lost over 100 years ago.
Seaton states that if the Lower Innoko Yukon herd continues its growth, a limited harvest could be permitted according to a directive issued by 30 interest groups. These groups manage the herd together.
He said, “When the three-year average growth is sufficient that you can harvest ten animals with a similar amount growth, then we will start hunting.” “And if we have good winters over the next five year, it will likely happen within the next 5 years.”
Meanwhile, a second wood bison reintroduction project is being considered. Seaton states that there are 10 bison at University of Alaska Fairbanks Large Animal Research Station and 30 at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Additional animals from Canada may also be used to seed the Eastern Interior herd.
He said that some people in the Upper Tanana had written to the governor asking for wood-bison. “There is also a lot of interest in Lower Tanana. The Yukon Flats are also of interest.
Seaton said that this winter’s planning meetings will bring together interest groups to discuss a new project for reintroduction.
