Bison roundup near Valentine: Preserving a prairie icon at Fort Niobrara
People near Valentine could get an up-close look at bison this week at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge annual bison roundup.
By News Channel NebraskaVALENTINE, Neb. - With fall in the air, ranchers are gearing up for the winter season. Near Valentine, Nebraska, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is rounding up a different type of animal.
“Seeing them run in is pretty exciting. It’s like a stampede of animals,” said Wildlife Refuge Assistant Manager Katie Patterson.
The refuge is home to around 350 bison. Each fall they’re rounded up to monitor herd health and genetics.
“With the genetic sampling, we’ll be able to tell which bison is which. We can tell who’s reproducing in the herd and who’s not reproducing,” said Wildlife Refuge Manager Matt Sprenger.
Only yearlings are run through the chutes, where they receive microchips and ear tags.
“Those are animals we haven’t previously handled,” said Sprenger.
To maintain the health of the herd and habitat, the refuge aims to maintain a population of 350, which means this year they’ll be donating around 25 yearlings.
“Those bison will go to tribes or groups affiliated with tribes,” said Sprenger.
“The tribes can submit a request in case they need more bison to replenish their herd,” said Patterson.
A fall roundup which focuses on preserving the genetics of a species once on the brink of extinction.
“These are some of the more unique bison in the world. Their genetics are excellent with very little cattle introgression,” said Sprenger. “We need to make sure that we conserve that iconic federal mammal."
An iconic animal, preparing for the season ahead, just like the land around it.