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Top 10 States With The Most Bison

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

American Bison.
American Bison. Image via Depositphotos

Bison, symbols of the American West, populations rise and fall – let’s see which states have the most bison. Today, they still roam, reminders of a bygone era. Ever wondered which states host the most bison? Wonder no more. Here are the top 10 states where you’ll likely spot these magnificent beasts.

10. Kansas

Bison
Image by Nicolas Petit via Pexels

Kansas rounds out the list. Despite its wheat fields, it’s home to bison, especially in places like the Konza Prairie Biological Station.

9. Oklahoma

American Bison
American Bison and calf with a background of rich autumn colours. Image via Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tallgrass prairies in Oklahoma provide sanctuary for bison. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a prime spot for sightings.

8. Texas

European bison.
Bison. Image via Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Texas, bison herds may not be as vast, but they’re significant. Places like Caprock Canyons State Park are worth a visit.

7. Colorado

Bison
Adult female American bison and 1 week- and 1 month-old calves. Image by oksanavg via Depositphotos

Colorado’s varied landscapes support bison populations. Look for them in places like Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

6. Alaska

Bison
Bison via Unsplash

Even in Alaska, bison thrive. The Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for these iconic creatures.

5. North Dakota

Bison
Image via Unsplash

Efforts in conservation make North Dakota a bison haven. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a prime bison-watching spot.

4. Nebraska

European bison (Bison bonasus).
Bison (Bison bonasus). Image by bereta via Depositphotos

Nebraska’s grasslands and conservation areas provide sanctuary for bison herds.

3. Montana

Bison
Image by OndrejProsicky via Depositphotos

Montana’s rugged terrain is ideal for bison. Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks offer prime viewing opportunities.

2. Wyoming

Small herd of the American bisons in the spring steppe covered by grass in the nature reserve against the background of the sky with clouds

Wyoming’s vast expanses provide ample grazing space. Yellowstone National Park is a bison hotspot.

1. South Dakota

Big old bison in nature.
Big old bison in nature. Image by fotoluxstudio via Depositphotos

South Dakota leads the count. Its grasslands and parks like Wind Cave and Badlands make it a bison haven.

Wrapping Up with Top 10 States With The Most Bison

Bison
Image by Jonathan Mast via Unsplash

From the plains of South Dakota to the mountains of Wyoming, these states offer prime bison-watching opportunities. So grab your binoculars and hit the road—there’s a bison sighting waiting for you out there on the American frontier.

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