DeKalb Times

The American Bison, once prevalent across North America, is making a return to the prairies of Illinois. Known for their grazing habits, bison play a significant role in maintaining prairie ecosystems by consuming grasses and allowing other plant species to thrive. Their presence also aids in soil compaction, promoting new plant growth.

Historically, Native American tribes relied on bison for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Bison hold spiritual significance in Native culture and are celebrated through various ceremonies and traditions. Although often confused with buffaloes, bison are distinct species native to North America and Europe.

Bison faced near extinction from 1820 to the early 1900s due to overhunting as America's westward expansion progressed. Conservation efforts have since increased their numbers to approximately 500,000, although most live in preserves rather than the wild.

In 2012, a campaign was initiated to designate the American Bison as the National Mammal of the United States. This effort involved Senators Michael Enzi of Wyoming and Tim Johnson of South Dakota alongside Native Americans and other stakeholders. The campaign culminated in legislation that officially recognized the bison as a national symbol alongside the Bald Eagle.

National Bison Day is observed on the first Saturday of November following its establishment under President Barack Obama through the National Bison Legacy Act signed into law in May 2016.

Efforts continue to reintroduce bison across U.S. prairie lands. In Kane County, Illinois, construction is underway at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve for a six-foot fence around 32 acres of open prairie aimed at bringing back bison. Rep. Jeff Keicher expressed support: “I am happy to see Kane County’s efforts in restoring our grasslands and bringing bison back to Illinois,” he said.

Other areas hosting bison include Nachusa Grasslands at Medewin in northwestern Illinois and Wildlife Prairie Park near Peoria which offer minimal human interaction policies allowing wildlife to roam freely.

Additional locations where one can observe bison include Fermilab in Batavia; Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington; Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa; Kankakee Sands in Morrocco; Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve in Westfield; Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne; Minneopa State Park in Mankato; and Sandhill Wildlife Area in Madison.