The Great Bison Census of Illinois: Herds, Don't Herd Them All Up in One Place!
Ah, the majestic bison. Those shaggy behemoths that once thundered across the North American plains by the millions. But how many of these bouncing buffalos bounce around Illinois these days? Buckle up, partner, because we're about to wrangle some bison facts!
Bison in the Land of Lincoln: A Historical Whodunnit
Illinois wasn't exactly teeming with bison back in the day like its Great Plains cousins. Think more of a scattering of scattered herds, you know, social distancing bison style. But then came the European settlers, with their fancy rifles and a hankering for a bison burger (probably not, but you get the idea). Poof! Went the bison population. By the 1800s, they were practically extinct in the state.
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The Bison Bounce Back: The Nachusa Grasslands Herd
Fast forward to the present day, and there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon! The good folks at The Nature Conservancy decided to give bison a second chance. In 2014, they introduced a herd of 30 bison to the Nachusa Grasslands, a whopping 4,000-acre preserve. Those 30 turned into roughly 100 today, which isn't bad for a comeback tour, Those Nachusa bison are living the good life, roaming free (well, as free as you can be with a fence) and munching on prairie grasses.
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So, How Many Bison Are There Really in Illinois?
Here's the thing: nobody's out there counting bison one by one. They're not exactly fond of filling out surveys. But based on estimates and the Nachusa herd's growth, we can say with a fair degree of certainty that there are around 100 bison moseying around Illinois. That might not sound like a lot, but it's a darn sight better than zero!
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| How Many Bison Are In Illinois |
Bison Bonus Fun Fact!
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Did you know that a group of bison is called a "herd," "buffalobunch," or even a "wallow?" We like "wallow" the most, because it conjures up images of these big fellas rolling around in the mud – bison spa day, anyone?
How To Bison FAQ
Alright, alright, we know bison aren't exactly plentiful in Illinois. But hey, knowledge is power! Here are some quick answers to your burning bison-related questions:
- How To See Bison in Illinois? Head to the Nachusa Grasslands! They have special viewing areas where you can catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures (from a safe distance, of course).
- How To Tell the Difference Between a Bison and a Buffalo? Technically, they're both bison, but "buffalo" is a common nickname. Think of it like calling a tissue a "Kleenex."
- How To Befriend a Bison? Don't. They're wild animals, and while they might look cuddly, they're packing some serious horns.
- How To Make a Bison Burger (Since You Can't Catch One)? Hit up your local grocery store! Just sayin'.
- How To Conserve Bison? Support organizations that work to restore bison populations and protect their habitat. Every little bit helps!
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