November 1, 2025 – Today marks National Bison Day, a celebration of America’s largest land mammal and one of the greatest wildlife conservation success stories in North American history. I captured this image at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, where a thriving herd reminds us of what we nearly lost and what we managed to save.
Wildlife Notes: The American Bison’s Remarkable Comeback
The American bison (Bison bison) once numbered in the tens of millions, ranging across much of the continent. By the late 1800s, hunting and habitat loss reduced the population to fewer than a thousand animals.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, established in 1905, played a key role in recovery. In 1907, the New York Zoological Society donated 15 bison from the Bronx Zoo, forming the foundation of today’s herd. Now about 650 bison roam the refuge, managed for genetic diversity and ecological balance.
Bison are massive yet agile. Bulls can weigh two thousand pounds but can sprint at forty miles per hour. Their grazing and wallowing behavior shape prairie ecosystems, creating habitat for birds, amphibians, and insects.
Fall is one of the best times to observe them at Wichita Mountains. Cooler temperatures and shorter grass make them active and visible throughout the day.
For a look at a larger herd on the refuge, see my post Bison Herd on a Hillside at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Photography Notes: Canon R5 at 500mm
I photographed this bison with a Canon EOS R5 and RF 100 – 500mm F4.5 – 7.1 L IS USM lens at full 500mm. My settings were ISO 1600, f/8, and 1/800 second.
At that distance, f/8 gave enough depth to keep the animal sharp from head to shoulders. The shutter speed froze subtle movement, and ISO 1600 kept exposure balanced in soft light. The R5 handled tonal range well, preserving detail in the dark fur without overexposing highlights.
The refuge allows photography from vehicles, which helps maintain the safe 100-yard distance required from bison. Even at that range, the 500mm reach offered strong subject isolation while keeping environmental context.
Conservation and Reflection
National Bison Day, recognized by Congress in 2016, honors the species’ ecological and cultural significance. For many Native American tribes, bison remain sacred. Modern recovery efforts often involve tribal nations managing conservation herds, restoring both ecosystems and cultural heritage.
For me, photographing bison at Wichita Mountains is a reminder of what focused conservation can achieve. Each time I visit, I’m struck by their resilience and by how much these animals still shape the prairie landscape.
Magnificent animals