Latest news with #bison
CBC
3 days ago
- Science
- CBC
GPS ear tags help track bison at Sask.'s Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
More than a dozen bison are now being electronically tracked across 100 hectares of rolling hillside at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park in southern Saskatchewan. Park staff have attached ear tags with GPS capabilities to 14 of the animals at the park, just over 50 kilometres west of Regina. The solar-powered tags transmit a signal to a nearby communications tower, which then provides the real-time location of the bison to a computer program back at the park's visitor centre every 15 minutes. People who visit the centre can view the bison location on a dashboard displayed on a TV screen. Dave Bjarnason, the park's manager, said Buffalo Pound is the only provincial park in Saskatchewan with bison, which have been there since 1972. The tags were first used in October 2024. "The age-old question has always been from our visitors: 'Where are the buffalo?'" said Bjarnason. "Often the disappointment is, you drive all the way down there, get up to the lookout point and they can't see the buffalo." The bison appear on the TV screen as little white dots and a corresponding name on a satellite view of the paddock. Tags used for research Dale Gross, a grasslands ecologist with Saskatchewan Parks, said the GPS tags will help him research the grazing patterns of the bison and how they interact with their environment. A key part of Gross's research focuses on where the bison graze and how it impacts what they eat. "So if we would do a small, prescribed burn in the bison paddock, that grass that grows back in more palatable, more nutritious, and the bison seek that out to meet their dietary requirements," he said. Gross will use the GPS data to move around salt and water set out for the bison so that they don't graze the same area over and over, which will also help the healthy grass grow back. His findings can also be applied to farms with cattle, to help the animals eat healthier forage. Gross said bison are crucial to the grassland ecology of the Prairies. "Their interactions with the grasslands over thousands of years are why our soils are so fertile for growing annual crops," he said. "The insects, the pollinators that we have ... a lot of that can be traced back to the bison. That's how critical they were to the survival of the Indigenous people here long ago and us together right now." Bjarnason said the GPS interface is also available on an app, which currently can only be viewed by park staff. Plans are in the works to make the app public in the future. His hope is that groups, like schools, can then come out to the park to use the app as an educational tool. "It's always an enlightening experience to see [the bison]," Bjarnason said. "We want to increase the opportunity to see the animals, which will then increase the interest in understanding them."
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Wanuskewin bison herd has grown in the past five years
Watch WATCH: It's national bison week and Wanuskewin Heritage Parks highlights the cultural and ecological roles of the animals.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘Come back into play': Wanuskewin bison herd has grown in the past five years
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is marking national bison week by highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of bison. 'Bison are regarded as a keystone species,' said Ian Hnatowich, manager of natural resources and ecology at Wanuskewin. 'Without the bison on this landscape — much like a building would crumble and fail without the keystone — these environments would similarly begin to crumble and fail.' Bison behaviour create conditions and habitats that can benefit other plants and animals. Their waste incubates insect eggs and larvae, which in turn provide food for endangered prairie bird species. As bison roam, they also help spread seeds, and birds use their shed fur for nesting. Nearly 150 years after facing near extinction, bison are making a comeback. In 2019, a small herd of 11 bison was introduced to Wanuskewin. That herd has since grown to more than 50, and their presence is already making a noticeable impact on the landscape. 'We've seen the rejuvenation of several different specific animal species and their populations,' Hnatowich told CTV News. 'We've also seen new species that should be part of this environment start to slowly come back into play.' Bison also hold spiritual and cultural importance for many Indigenous communities. Historically, they were used for a variety of purposes including food, clothing, and ceremonial practices. 'Bison have such a huge history here on the Plains, and they are so intertwined with the history of Indigenous people,' said Jessie Muhlbach, a senior interpretive guide. 'So, when you learn about bison, you're also learning about the land and Indigenous culture.' National bison week encourages people to celebrate the species. 'Because it's national bison week, coming out here and spending time with the bison is a great way to understand Wanuskewin in its complete form,' said Andrew McDonald, co-executive director of Wanuskewin. National bison week runs until Saturday.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Onlooker captures shocking video of reckless parent risking toddler's safety near wild animal: 'I was shocked'
Sometimes it can blow your mind in the worst possible way when you're confronted with something that you've only seen online happening right before your eyes. Such was the case for a helpless onlooker who was powerless to stop a tourist from recklessly taking their toddler within feet of a bison at Yellowstone National Park. The Independent reported on the experience of Jennifer Gunderson, a retired professional photographer, who witnessed the exchange and posted a video of it to her Instagram page (@jennifer_gunderson_photography). The startling footage shows a woman and toddler wandering within close range of the massive, grazing bison. Notably, the adult isn't holding the toddler's hand as it gets dangerously close to the animal. Another adult and child combo comes closer, too, as the video concludes. "Everyone including us told them to get back before we started recording," revealed Gunderson in the caption. That advice was the correct one, as Yellowstone National Park rules suggest visitors stay at least 25 yards away from wild animals, including bison. Overzealous tourists have paid the price for breaking those guidelines, even if many bison appear to be docile. Instagram accounts draw awareness to the dangers of approaching wildlife, which is why the tourists' moves floored Gunderson. "We have watched and followed the Tourons of Yellowstone Instagram account and shaken our heads at some of the things posted," Gunderson shared. "Never in our wildest dreams would we witness it in person." Still, it's clear the message to give space to wild animals, both for your and their safety, isn't getting through to everyone. Animals that are provoked by visitors and attack in response could be euthanized even if the interaction wasn't of their choosing. Meanwhile, the threat of a massive bison feels like it should be enough for people to keep their distance. A visitor, in fact, was gored by a bison in the second week of June. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "I was shocked that people would get that close to a wild animal let alone bring small children with them," Gunderson told the Independent. Commenters on Gunderson's Instagram video were similarly disturbed by the footage. "Should be charged with child endangerment," one suggested. "These are the very people who spoil it for everyone and get animals killed," another commenter lamented. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I herd that! Guests looking for leaner proteins are leaning into bison
I first had a bison burger in a diner on the west side of Manhattan in the early '90s. This city was my home, but it was not where the buffalo roam. Back then, not even on menus. And so, I had to try it. Leaner, but still juicy. Flavorful. Some might say earthy. Or sweet. It took quite some time before it began to show up with any real regularity in restaurants (at least on the East Coast), but slowly, surely, much like the eventual rebounding of this beautiful animal's once decimated numbers, bison is something we see more often when dining out, and even in grocery stores. Several in the Orlando metro, including Wild Fork in Winter Park, Petty's Meat Market in Longwood and The Local Butcher and Market in Winter Garden, carry it for your home-cooking purposes. But if you've never partaken of this noble and wholly American protein — and you might want to, since July is National Bison Month — there are quite a few options around the metro for meat sampling. Not to be too on-the-nose about it, but The Hangry Bison is one of them, with three locations around the metro: 250 West Plant St. in Winter Garden, 407-347-9099; 480 Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, 407-677-5000; 951 Market Promenade in Lake Mary, 321-363-3084; 'Bison protein is catching on fast, and for good reason. It's leaner than beef, loaded with nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and fits beautifully into health-focused diets,' says Hangry Bison marketing director Brenda Carrero. 'Because bison are usually grass-fed and raised with less environmental impact, they've become a solid pick for people who care about sustainability, too.' It's versatile, as well, she says: 'Think burgers, roasts, even tacos.' Best Burger: 2025 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards Guests at the HB restaurants, she says, enjoy the build-your-own option best. The basic burger starts at $18 with some toppings gratis and others added on for a range of 50 cents to $1.50 apiece. Each comes with your choice of side. Want more? Stampede through this herd of options. Sooooooo many people love The Whiskey. Enduringly, too. While tens of joints and trucks have come and gone over the years, live music, smooth pours and killer burgers have made this Sand Lake restaurant's vibe a slow, hot burn. And sometimes, that last part of the trifecta sees guests choosing bison over beef. 'We strive to have our guests enjoy top-notch gourmet burgers from our signature blend to unique game meats,' says The Whiskey's owner Katie Zagaroli. Indeed, culinary adventurers often find themselves here, exploring the flavors of all kinds of alternative proteins, including camel, elk and wild boar. All, she notes, 'are sourced from the west with strict regulations.' Of the menu's bison offerings, the Drunk Bison ($27.50) is a guest favorite, cooked to temperature and topped with applewood bacon, three thick Whiskey onion rings and a warm bath of housemade cheese sauce. Wanna try almost all the 'exotics' in one visit? Order The Beast, says Zagaroli. 'It's a blend of Wagyu, bison, elk and wild boar,' she notes. Bring someone for the camel burger and you've got all the game you can handle. The Whiskey: 7563 W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando, 407-930-6517; 'Disney's Wilderness Lodge is themed after the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest,' says the resort's chef, David Hutnick. 'Bison have a historical and ongoing connection to the Pacific Northwest, so adding a bison burger to the menu made perfect sense as a fun twist to a traditional offering.' As such, Geyser Point Bar & Grill's bison cheeseburger features bacon, sweet onion straws, marionberry sauce, and garlic aioli with lettuce and tomato. 'Guests the unique flavor combination,' he says. 'It's the most popular menu offering at Geyser Point.' Geyser Point: Disney's Wilderness Lodge, 901 Timberline Drive in Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-5277; They've had bison on the menu since 2018, says Teak owner Jon Proechel, and it's definitely not going anywhere. 'So many people are getting more adventurous in their choices,' he notes, 'but for others, it's more of a health-based decision, since bison is a leaner option.' Teak's got roughly 30 burgers on its menu, Proechel says, 'and the bison is always in our top five. We also do a bison-elk-wild boar-Wagyu blend, as well.' Three bison offerings will become four in about a month, he teases, 'but guests can always build their own or sub a bison patty in for any other burger they want. People do it all the time.' Teak Neighborhood Grill: 6400 Time Square Ave. in Orlando, 407-313-5111; Sous chef Jennifer Arroyo has seen several menu turnovers since she started at this Kissimmee eatery two and a half years ago, but the bison meatloaf, an original recipe she says has been with the growing chain since its founding 20+ years ago, hasn't gone anywhere. 'I love working with bison because it cooks up moist and holds onto its flavor without being overly fatty,' she says. She also thinks the dish — wrapped in bacon, piled atop creamy potatoes — is well suited to Lazy Dog's 'Wyoming cabin' atmosphere. 'It's one of those hearty dishes that sticks to your ribs, keeps you warm and fills you up,' she notes. The Central Florida weather doesn't seem to discourage anyone from ordering it, either. 'There are times we'll sell a bunch of the meatloaf, and I'm thinking, 'it's like 105 outside, doesn't anyone want a salad?' But people just love it.' Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: 8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, 689-228-4418; 'Everyone loves a good burger, but we wanted to appeal to those who consider themselves a little more health-conscious,' says Liz Lasher, chef at this Lake Mary eatery. 'Bison is a pretty lean meat and a great alternative to get more protein in your diet.' It's a popular order among the lunch crowd, she says. 'It's filling, and you're able to modify and add toppings like sautéed onions, mushrooms, jalapeños or fried eggs. Our guests can tell that we don't buy frozen, pre-pattied burgers. They're made fresh every morning, and I think that's why they're so popular. Guests know they're getting a quality burger with fresh ingredients.' The Vineyard Wine Company: 1140 Townpark Ave. in Lake Mary, 407-833-9463; Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @ Email: amthompson@ For more foodie fun, join the Let's Eat, Orlando Facebook group. Our 2025 Foodie Award winners list revealed — see who won
