Approximately 20 bison calves were born this spring in Banff’s backcountry, increasing the population of the thriving introduced herd to more than 100.
Parks Canada does not have an exact count of the new little reds, as they are nicknamed for their orange-red color when born, but officials say the bison herd is estimated to be more than 100 animals strong following the 2023 calving season.
Parks Canada estimated the herd had swelled to about 80, in the fall, with only two newborn calves suspected of falling victim to wolves since the start of the bison program in 2017. Two bulls were relocated and two other determined males were killed for wandering onto neighboring provincial lands.
There is no information being provided by Parks Canada at this stage on how many of the ‘little reds’ – as they are known for their red coats – have survived so far this spring, or the survival of other members of the herd.
Parks Canada is expected to release the final and approved version of the report on the bison reintroduction pilot 2017-22, which was publicly released last November and summarizes learnings, impacts, and concerns related to the pilot, in the not-too-distant future.
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