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US States Where You Won’t Encounter Bison

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

Bison and its herd
American Bison forming a large group during breeding season. Image via Depositphotos

Bison once roamed widely across North America. Today, they’re mainly found in protected areas. Here are some states where you’re unlikely to see bison in the wild.

West Virginia

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

West Virginia has no wild bison. Known for its mountains and coal mining history, the state doesn’t provide the habitat bison need to thrive.

Maine

Bison
Adult female American bison and 1 week- and 1 month-old calves at the Prioksko-terrasny biosphere reserve, Russia. Image by oksanavg via Depositphotos

Maine has no wild bison. It’s known for its rugged coastline, forests, and lobster industry. The state’s northern climate and environment don’t support bison populations.

Hawaii

Bison
Image by OndrejProsicky via Depositphotos

Hawaii is far from bison habitats. The islands are known for their unique ecosystems, tropical climate, and beautiful beaches. Bison don’t live in Hawaii’s diverse environment.

Rhode Island

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

Rhode Island has no wild bison. The smallest state in the US, it is known for its coastal towns and maritime history. No bison here.

Connecticut

bison
Side profile close up of an American bison, also known as buffalo, with its tongue sticking out in Yellowstone National Park. Image by ruhuntn@hotmail.com via Depositphotos

Connecticut has no wild bison populations. This small state is more known for its colonial history and charming towns. You won’t find any bison here.

Delaware

Herd of the American bisons in the spring steppe
Herd of the American bisons in the spring steppe. Image by anmbph via Depositphotos

Delaware lacks wild bison as well. The state is small and urbanized. Famous for its beaches and tax-free shopping, bison are absent from Delaware’s landscape.

Utah

Bison
American Bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Image via Depositphotos

Utah has no wild bison. Known for its national parks and outdoor recreation, the state’s climate and terrain aren’t suitable for sustaining wild bison populations.

Arizona

Bison during fall in Yellowstone national park. Image via Depositphotos

Arizona lacks wild bison. Known for its desert landscapes and the Grand Canyon, this state’s environment doesn’t support bison habitats naturally.

Massachusetts

Bisons family in winter day in the snow
Bisons family in winter day in the snow.

Image via Depositphotos

Massachusetts has no wild bison. Known for its rich history and academic institutions, the state doesn’t have the suitable environment to support wild bison populations.

Conclusion

European bison (Bison bonasus). Image via Depositphotos

While bison were once widespread, they are now limited to specific areas. In these states, you won’t find bison in the wild, but each state offers unique experiences.

Info sourced from World Population Review.

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bison
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