National Mammal Designation Helps Highlight Bison Resurgence

Ranchers Help Lead Restoration on North American Pasture

Westminster CO (May 16, 2016) – President Obama’s signature on legislation last week establishing bison as the official National Mammal of the United States helped draw attention to a modern conservation success story that is occurring on private ranches, as well as public lands and on tribal nations, according to the National Bison Association.
   
And, with the public increasingly embracing the delicious taste and nutritional attributes of sustainably raised bison, the association is welcoming new producers to help continue to bring bison back to more acres across the country, said National Bison Association Executive Director Dave Carter.
   
“Bison is the most rapidly growing segment of the American meat marketplace, and we are working to keep pace with demand.” He said.
   
Carter said that bison producers are committed to continuing to raise animals in a manner that meets their customers’ expectations for humanly raised, all natural animals.
He added that the National Bison Association’s Code of Ethics prohibit any crossbreeding of bison with cattle, and that federal regulations prohibit the use of growth hormones and antibiotics as growth promotants.
   
“Mother Nature did a great job in perfecting these animals over thousands of years,” he said. “They thrive on our native grasses, and are well equipped to endure even the most challenging weather conditions. We call that The Bison Advantage.”
   
Carter said that the new recognition as national mammal will help foster growing appreciation for the historic significance of bison, as well as its growing role in modern society.     

“This is a significant moment in the history of bison in North America,” Carter said following the President’s signing of the National Bison Legacy Act.  “This Act not only honors the historic, cultural and environmental role of bison in North America, it also recognizes the role that ranchers, conservationists and Native American tribes are playing in restoring this animal to its native landscapes.”
   
Passage of the Act was the result of a four-year campaign by the National Bison Association, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the InterTribal Buffalo Council, and nearly 60 supporting organizations.