The American bison, often referred to as the American buffalo, is a species woven into the history and ecology of North America. While they are present in New York State today, they do not exist as a wild, self-sustaining population roaming freely. Their current status is entirely managed and controlled, contrasting sharply with their historical presence.
Bison in New York History
The historical range of the American bison extended east to the Atlantic Seaboard, including parts of New York State. This eastern population was likely the wood bison subspecies, Bison bison athabascae, or a distinct ecotype, which was generally larger than the plains bison found further west. These powerful grazers were a part of the state’s natural fauna before the arrival of European colonists.
Historical accounts suggest bison herds were found in areas like central New York, notably near Onondaga Lake. As European settlement expanded, the bison population in New York and the entire eastern part of the continent began to decline rapidly. The primary factors were unregulated hunting for meat and hides, coupled with habitat loss as forests were cleared for agriculture. The extirpation of the species from the New York wilderness occurred centuries ago. The last known bison east of the Allegheny Mountains was killed around 1730, ending the species’ existence as native wildlife in the state.
Where Bison Live in New York Today
Bison in New York today are found exclusively in managed environments, serving roles in conservation, education, and commerce. The state’s population is maintained on private bison farms and ranches across upstate regions like Central New York. These private herds are raised primarily as livestock for commercial meat production, catering to a niche market for leaner red meat.
New York City also contributed to the species’ recovery. The Bronx Zoo, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, was instrumental in saving the species from near extinction at the turn of the 20th century. The American Bison Society was founded there in 1905, and animals bred at the zoo were shipped west to establish conservation herds. Today, the Bronx Zoo continues to house a small, genetically valuable herd as part of a conservation and breeding program. A few smaller accredited wildlife preserves or educational centers across the state also maintain bison for public viewing.
Distinguishing Farmed Bison from Wild Wildlife
The bison living in New York are classified under state and federal law as domestic livestock, not as protected or managed wildlife. This means they fall under agricultural regulations, similar to cattle, rather than being managed by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Private ownership and commercial breeding are governed by rules designed for animal husbandry, including health, transport, and sale.
This status contrasts sharply with true wild populations found in states like Montana or South Dakota, where bison are managed as wildlife on public lands. In those western states, the animals roam freely and are subject to ecological management principles. The New York bison, being on privately owned, fenced land, are not part of a natural ecosystem process; they are a managed resource. This distinction means there is currently no legal or ecological framework in New York for reintroducing a free-roaming bison population.