Annual Bison Roundup
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The annual roundup, which takes about a week in November, is a time of excitment and high drama. It is the only time the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve bison are herded and confined; otherwise the bison are left to roam, completely unattended. They over-winter on their own, without any shelter or supplemental feeding. However, salt with trace minerals is available year-round at several dozen stations distributed around the bison pasture to ensure an adequate supply within the herd's bounded range.
heading for the corral |
 collaring an escapee |
 replacing an identification tag |
 the annual inoculation |
The roundup permits the Conservancy to adjust the stocking rate to stay within the prairie's carrying capacity, perform various scientific studies, and ensure the health of the herd. The number of spring calves is determined at this time, and each animal is examined, weighed, and inoculated.
Tallgrass Prairie Bison Inoculation Protocol
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"Whew. I'm outta here." |