Wildlife Management - Raising Wild Animals
NPS Photo Bison on the Prairie Returning the Animals Fourteen bison were shipped to the preserve from the New York Zoological Society in 1913. In 1914, 14 Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone National Park and 13 pronghorn antelope from Alberta, Canada were added to complete the prairie scene. 
NPS Photo Herd of Elk in a Corral Learning to Manage Wildlife Because the practice of raising wild game animals under semi-natural conditions was relatively new, A.P. Chambers, the first warden of the preserve, experienced many challenges creating healthy, wild herds. 
NPS Photo Truck Used to Ship Animals Growing Herds The bison and elk survived with very little trouble. They quickly adapted to the park area and by 1920, the bison reached a population of 100 and the elk, 200. To keep the herd sizes in balance with the range, managers culled animals by selling them or moving them to other preserves. 
NPS Photo Pronghorn and Kid Challenges with the Pronghorn Raising pronghorn antelope was, perhaps, A.P Chambers greatest challenge. These curious little animals seemed to die for no apparent reason.
For more information about the return of the wildlife to Wind Cave National Park select from the listings below: Conservationists and Hunters Rally |
Did You Know?
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