THE BUFFALO SAVED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 August 1924, Page 14

THE BUFFALO SAVED.

A WILD HERD IN THE CANADIAN NORTH. For over a quarter of a century (says Mr F. H. Kitto in the Geographical Journal) the noble bison was mourned as lost. True, sufficient numbers were preserved in parks or private enclosures to guarantee, barring unforeseen disaster, the actual continuance of the species for exhibition; but as a wild animal in itg native range it was apparently gone. When proof of the actual existence of numbers of animals of the bison species in the Peace-Athabaska-Siave rivers district was produced it was but partly credited. The animals were said to be an inferior species and not the true Bison Amfericanus. In the spring of 1920, having occasion to travel down the Peace and Siave fivers on my way to make explorations in the Mackenzie district, I whs commissioned by the Superintendent of National Parks, who was then entrusted with the protection of these so-called “wood buffalo,” to visit their range, gather what information I could in the few days at my disposal, and report to him. I experienced much pleasure in carrying out his request, and was fortunate in being able to verify claims that the animals were the true bison, arid that they were thriving and multiplyirig as of old.

True American bison to the number of at least 1500, and in all probability 2000 are foaming in a free state in this district. Their range consists of two distinct areas, nearly equal in extent. In size, strength, and vitality, they are equal to and apparently excel the best specimens on record from early days. 11l colour they are darker than the former plains bison, but this is probably due merely to the northern and more sheltered range. In like manner furs of the same species of smaller animals are darker in the north.

Their numbers are increasing, many calves having been seen. The vigilance of the police and rangers has put an end to the desultory hunting that was practised untij recent years by a few Indians. Wolves still prey to some extent on them, but, except in cases where they riianage to cut r off a single animal, do not inflict serious damage. Three pleasing features are specially worthy of note: the fact that the bison in its wild state still survives; that it promises to continue and increase; and that its northern exile has improved it physically. In this connection it might be recalled that formerly a 16001 b. bull was considered a big fellow, and that, with thousands to choose from, a, 21001 b. specimen wa s the largest American museum expeditions were able to secure

A hull killed in 1910 near Fort Smith weighed 24321 b. Another, cut off and hamstrung by wolves just as the rangers arrived on the scene, weighed 2500 lb. It is reasonably certain that bulls of 25001 b. weight are quite common in these herds. This clearly indicates that the bison in his new environment ig not diminishing, but rather increasing in size. His vitality appears to' be unimpaired.