{"id":44324,"date":"2025-01-14T16:15:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T23:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/?page_id=44324"},"modified":"2025-02-07T09:02:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T16:02:27","slug":"bison-by-the-numbers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/bison-by-the-numbers\/","title":{"rendered":"Bison by the Numbers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bison by the Numbers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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From Plains to Plates:
Insights from Bison Data & Stats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Analyzing the data reveals valuable insights into the current state of bison populations, allowing us to appreciate how the bison industry is transforming sustainable agricultural practices and shaping the future of these magnificent animals. Furthermore, we can highlight the persistent efforts devoted to their conservation and protection, celebrating the vital role bison play in our ecosystem, from the plains to our dinner tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
1,986<\/a><\/div>
\"1,986\"<\/a><\/div>

There are 1,986 private U.S. ranches and farms raising bison, according to the 2022 USDA census.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
192,477<\/a><\/div>
\"192,477\"<\/a><\/div>

There are 192,477 bison in the United States residing on private ranches and farms, according to the 2022 USDA census.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
149,539<\/a><\/div>
\"149,539\"<\/a><\/div>

The Canadian private-bison herd size is 149,539 according to 2021 Canadian Census of Ag.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
13,000<\/a><\/div>
\"13,000\"<\/a><\/div>

The number of Canadian publicly managed bison is 13,000, according to 2020 Canadian Parks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
11,000<\/a><\/div>
\"Custer<\/a><\/div>

The number of bison in US federal herds is approximately 11,000. (DOI 2020)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
10,000<\/a><\/div>
\"10,000\"<\/a><\/div>

There are 10,000 Bison in State and other Public herds (USFWS 2022).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
30,000<\/a><\/div>
\"Tribal<\/a><\/div>

An estimated 30,000 bison are on tribal lands (US and Canada).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
400,000<\/a><\/div>
\"Bison<\/a><\/div>

There are an estimated 40,000 herds size in North America today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
30 \u2013 60 Million<\/a><\/div>
\"1900<\/a><\/div>

30 \u2013 60 Million estimated North American herd size before 1900.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
< 1,000<\/a><\/div>
\"<<\/a><\/div>

Before 1900, there were less than 1,000 bison before efforts were made to preserve and restore the species.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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80,000<\/a><\/div>
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

In 2023, around 80,000 bison were harvested in the U.S., a figure that highlights the significant role of bison farming in sustainable meat production. For comparison, the U.S. beef industry slaughters approximately 125,000 cattle each day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
74,849<\/a><\/div>
\"Bison<\/a><\/div>

In 2023, there were 74,849 U.S. bison harvests under federal inspection. State-inspected slaughter adds approximately 20% to the total bison harvested in the U.S. in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
27,470<\/a><\/div>
\"27,470\"<\/a><\/div>

In 2023, 27,470 harvest-ready Canadian bison were imported to the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
11,700<\/a><\/div>
\"Bison<\/a><\/div>

In 2023, 11,700 Canadian feeder bison were imported to the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
270-285<\/a><\/div>
\"270-285\"<\/a><\/div>

The gestation period for a bison cow is 270-285 days.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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40-50<\/a><\/div>
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

The approximate weight of a newborn calf is 40-50 pounds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20 years<\/a><\/div>
\"20<\/a><\/div>

The average reproductive life span of the average bison cow is 20 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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22 \u2013 30<\/a><\/div>
\"mature<\/a><\/div>

The age of a mature meat animal is 22-23 months.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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2.42<\/a><\/div>
\"Cooked<\/a><\/div>

Cooked bison is a healthier option, containing only 2.42 grams of fat per 100-gram serving, while cooked beef has 10.15 grams of fat.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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