Re-Introduced Wood Bison in Alaska is Thriving

State biologists in Alaska say a recent survey of the Innoko-Yukon River wood bison population shows the animals are doing well six years after a seed group of bison was released in Western Alaska, according to APM.

Biologists counted 103 wood bison during the annual survey this summer, an increase of more than 10% from last year’s herd size. Twenty-six calves joined the herd this year. It’s the most the herd has produced since it was established in 2015.

The survey also showed that the animals are in better physical condition than in previous years.

Despite the herd’s success this year, biologists said it will be several years before there are enough animals to hunt.