Sturgeon River Plains Bison Herd – PA National Park

The Sturgeon River plains bison herd is one of the few free-ranging bison populations in North America. The herd roams within its historic territory, including areas of Prince Albert National Park.

From 2006 to 2008, the Sturgeon River herd was determined to be over 450 animals. Today, the herd is estimated at 120 animals – less than a quarter of the population in the 2000s. An increased number of juveniles in the herd is a promising sign of herd renewal.

Parks Canada is committed to the stewardship of the Sturgeon River herd, and is working with partners to reverse the declining trend and conserve the bison.

Annual wildlife surveys conducted in the park during the month of February counted 91 bison, the highest number observed in three years. Aerial surveys are conducted to help estimate the population. Each year, a portion of the herd remains undetected from the air, since the Sturgeon River herd is very wary of people, noise and disturbance, and due to the rugged, forested nature of much of the herd’s range.