| The American bison is one of several big game | | | | winter winds tend to benefit the bison, as |
| animals in Alaska. The bison was | | | | the winds will blow the snow, preventing it |
| transplanted to Alaska from Montana in 1928, | | | | from accumulating and becoming too deep. The |
| after becoming almost extinct in America. | | | | healthy bison usually survives the |
| Twenty of these animals were delivered to an | | | | winters.They migrate to a winter range in the |
| area around Delta Junction and by 1985 the | | | | northwest around Farewell Lake, where there |
| population had grown to approximately 700.The | | | | are many small rivers and ponds with |
| bison is a spectacular animal in size, | | | | vegetation available for them to eat. They |
| measuring six feet at the shoulders, almost | | | | are able to smell food beneath deep snow and |
| ten feet long and weighing over a ton. The | | | | they use their huge bodies to push the snow |
| head and front quarters are the largest part | | | | away to get to the food.Bison hunts have to |
| of the body, making this section look out of | | | | be controlled to prevent the population from |
| proportion to the hind quarters, which are | | | | overburdening the limited range areas. |
| smaller.The bison sheds its coat in the | | | | Hunting bison is a challenge, as stalking |
| spring of the year, after winter is over. | | | | them is difficult; and bringing them down |
| Then, in the fall, it grows its winter coat, | | | | also is quite a feat. They are the hardest |
| which is a rich, dark brown color. The coat | | | | of all Alaska's big game to bring down. |
| changes color during the winter and by spring | | | | Their meat tastes much like beef and is |
| is a lighter color. Bison bulls have large, | | | | delicious to eat.Bears and wolves are |
| heavy horns that curve upward. Cows' horns | | | | predators of bison calves, but usually do not |
| are lighter and not as large.Calves are born | | | | have much luck, as the adult bison will fight |
| anytime from May to August and at first have | | | | to protect the calves. All predators will |
| a brownish red coat. At ten weeks old, this | | | | leave adult bison alone, because of their |
| brownish red coat starts to darken and about | | | | size, which intimidates and their large |
| five weeks later, turns to the dark brown | | | | horns, which they use to fight with, and can |
| color. They are very active almost | | | | easily kill another animal. They are second |
| immediately after birth, being able to run | | | | only to the black bear for viciousness |
| and kick their hind legs up in the air about | | | | towards any threatening |
| three hours after birth. They also begin | | | | creature.Approximately sixty million bison |
| grazing at an early age - about six days old. | | | | roamed the Great Plains from Mexico to Canada |
| They will stay with their mother, following | | | | and north into Alaska up until the nineteen |
| her until the next spring, when they are | | | | century. Then came the insurgence of |
| about a year old, before they venture out on | | | | settlers crossing the United States. They |
| their own.These animals are natural grazing | | | | killed thousands of bison mainly for their |
| animals, but in Alaska, their food is only | | | | hides. Before this, the Plains Indians |
| found along rivers and areas where fires have | | | | depended on bison for their food and hides. |
| burnt old vegetation growth and created fresh | | | | The Indians used the hides to make their |
| foliage. They eat various grasses, also | | | | clothes, their tents, etc. The bison had a |
| silverberry, willow and ground birch. Since | | | | great economical value for the Indians.Alaska |
| Alaskan winters are extremely severe, it can | | | | is proud of this big game animal and provides |
| be hard for the bison to survive. Their | | | | conservation to preserve their herds of |
| thick layers of hair and plenty of stored fat | | | | bison, with some living on ranches and others |
| are an advantage to them in surviving the | | | | in protected areas. |
| cold winds and temperatures. In fact, strong | | | | |