9 bison mothers expecting babies this year in Banff National Park - Action News
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9 bison mothers expecting babies this year in Banff National Park

Bison were moved to Banff National Park last winter in hopes to reestablishing a wild herd in the area.

Parks Canada is trying to re-establish a wild herd for the 1st time in more than a century

Nine of 10 bison cows in Banff National Park's secure paddock are expecting calves this year. (Parks Canada)

Brand-new bison calves could bring the population ofa protected herd in Banff National Park up to 35 this year, Parks Canada says.

The species had been missing from the wild for more than a century when16bison were moved to Panther Valleylast winter in hopes to re-establishing a wild herd in the park.

Bison helicoptered in to Banff for historic homecoming after 140 years

8 years ago
Duration 0:35
After years of consultations and detailed planning, Parks Canada officially reintroduced 16 bison in Banff National Park in what is being called a historic homecoming and an important conservation effort as part of Canadas 150th anniversary year.

Ten more calves were born last summer.

This year, nineof the 10 bison cows are expecting and they could startgivingbirth as early as April.

"It's important to remember thoughthat these are wild bison and it is normal that some cows may not bring their calves to full term," said abison blog post byParks Canada, released Tuesday.

Some bison cows don't bring their calves to full term but if all are born, the calves will more than double the existing herd. (Karsten Heuer/Parks Canada)

"But if all the calves are born successfully, it could bring the herd's number to 35 animals a long way from the initial 16 bison that arrived in Banff last February."

The bison are held in a paddock that's protected from predators. This summer, park officials plan to remove the fencing to allow bison to roam more freely.

Bison calves walk with their guardians last summer in Banff's Panther Valley.
Bison calves walk with their guardians last summer in Banff's Panther Valley. (Karsten Heuer/Parks Canada)