America’s bison fell from tens of millions to 1,000; tribes are bringing them back

Bison are revered as America's national mammal, symbolizing rich cultural and ecological traditions for indigenous communities. Throughout the 1800s, rampant hunting and westward expansion caused their near extinction. However, through dedicated conservation initiatives, bison populations have rebounded. Native tribes and conservation groups are now working to restore bison to their historic habitats, enriching the Great Plains and celebrating their ancestral legacy.