The European bison is one of the two remaining species of Bison, alongside the American bison! Both species suffered from extensive hunting, being close to extinction!
In case of European bison, it actually disappeared from wilderness in the 1920’s, but was since re-introduced from captivity into special reserves (starting with 1951), semi-wild or wild, under protection of the law, in several European countries to reflect its historical distribution/range, but with different degrees of success depending on country. In any case, its overall reintroduction in the wild was declared a success, the species moving from Endangered in 1996 to recently Vulnerable status, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
We went to see this magnificent animal in Poland, Eastern Europe, in one of the remaining wilderness icons, the Białowieża ancient woodland, home of above 800 exemplars (declared the Polish Biosphere Reserve), at the border with Belarus. The reserve seemed well managed, the forest itself is indeed ancient, seeming untouched by civilization, apart from main entrance where you get the chance to go through a gate, there is in fact no border or fence, some lucky people had the chance to see a bison even driving through the nearby villages, as this youtube film shows! We were not that lucky, we did step on the tracks of the bison and we had a great time there, but the only bison we saw were in the nearby enclosed visitor park. However, the overall place and experience was great, and for sure will repeat it (and the ecosystem seems complete, with wolves living in the reserve and feeding on weak bison occasionally in heavy winters, assuring the overall health of the heard, a natural selection process)!!
If you want to see the wild bison, we recommended to check the national park site before visiting, to learn more: Białowieżki National Park !
For more recent pictures and live videos about the European bison re-introduction into the wild and live follow-up, I suggest following these related facebook pages:
Great to read that the wisent is making such a comeback!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a continuous fight, some countries were more successful than others, but everywhere there are treats to the European bison introduction. For example, in Poland, government wants to start cutting into this ancient forest, for the sake of an once-off local budget boost. In Romania there were reports of un-attended dogs from nearby villages attacking the young bison and worst of all, in Spain, where number of bison was anyway symbolic at around 20, they were poisoned by locals and their heads were cut-off! But there are also people which are supporting, and also local WWF teams, so fingers crossed!
LikeLike
When will we ever learn!? I hope that the efforts of those working so hard will be rewarded handsomely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. I had no idea that European bison existed. I thought they were only in North America.
I’m happy to see that attention is being given to preserving these beautiful creatures
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, in Europe, many species are in very low numbers, and many developed European countries refuse to help in these regard. Fingers crossed that bison numbers will remain stable, at 4000 exemplars that is not too much!
LikeLike
Wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Białowieża is being destroyed
LikeLike
Unfortunately…but there are some brave local people fighting to protect it, all the way to the end! Hope dies last!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep but when it is up against big business….
LikeLike
Pingback: The European bison of Białowieża Forest, Poland – part 2 | Wildlife-reporter.com
Hello Wildlife Reporter, I have seen the American Bison at Yellowstone National Park and also at the Custer State Park in South Dakota here in the USA. Magnificent animals! So nice to read about the Bison there in Europe. I had not known of those in Poland. Thanks for letting us know. I enjoyed reading your post with its fine pictures! Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Wildlife friend! I like your blog as well, so will be in touch! Here trying to spend as much time as possible in nature, where we belong, where we feel alive! Enjoy the day!
LikeLike
And by the way, there is a second part of our European Bison adventure, just pick it from blog content page…
LikeLike
Magnificent animals! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Pit! Check the part 2 as well: https://wildlife-reporter.com/2018/07/01/the-european-bison-of-bialowieza-forest-poland-part-2/
LikeLike
Such beautiful animals I had no idea there were European Bison in existence…Good to hear that there are people working to protect them. Thank you for following CarolCooks2 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person