The annual roundup of bison at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will take place September 28 – October 2, 2015. According to Project Leader Steve Hicks, “bison are handled during a fall roundup to keep the herd within the ecological carrying capacity of the refuge while conserving genetic diversity of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bison population.” Sections of walkway above the refuge corrals have designated safe zones for public access, enabling visitors the opportunity to watch bison and photograph roundup action up close!
During roundup week, small groups of bison will be cut from the main herd of ~420 animals located in an adjoining pasture and pushed down the runway into the corrals. Once in the corrals, bison are processed through the hub one at a time where the animal’s microchip is read, body condition recorded, and a portion of the herd is sorted off for additional handling. Calves will have a microchip implanted at the base of the ear for individual identification and blood and tail hair samples collected for genetic analysis. Approximately 50 bison, 1 year old and older, will have samples collected for ongoing herd health monitoring.
To keep the bison herd in balance with refuge grasslands while retaining as much genetic diversity as possible, about 60-70 bison with common genetics will be removed from the Fort Niobrara herd this year. In mid-October, 75% percent of the surplus animals will be sold through a competitive, sealed bid process and 25% will be donated to the Intertribal Bison Cooperative.
Fort Niobrara NWR is located four miles east of Valentine on Highway 12 and the corrals are located just east of the office/visitor center. To find out what is taking place each day or to receive information for purchasing bison through the sealed bid process, please call the refuge at (402)376-3789.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
