Bison and Texas State Parks
ParkChat
louisbink
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute @Donald_Beard Bink in the #parkchat lodge tonight.
Stars252525
Howdy from Texas! Looking forward to discussing one of my favorite places on earth, Caprock Canyons SP, and bison with @59NationalParks and @Wild_Tribute and @Donald_Beard #ParkChat
RoadTripsCoffee
I'm here for #ParkChat tonight, but seeing as how I know nothing about Texas I'm just gonna lurk in the back of the room and add items to my #travel bucket list.
RCGibby73
Well, I really hate to miss this week’s chat considering the topic, but me and the fam are enjoying the beach. I’ll catch up later #ParkChat
louisbink
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Donald_Beard @Wild_Tribute A1 of course at Yellowstone. #ParkChat
WeekendWomanWar
replying to @59NationalParks
@59NationalParks @Donald_Beard @Wild_Tribute A1: Antelope Island State Park is home to, ironically, bison. Fun facts, The bison were introduced in 1893 when the current ranchers wanted to build a herd for private hunting. The island can support about 500 head.
#ParkChat @AntelopeSP @UtahStateParks
Stars252525
A2 I believe most people are in awe of bison and their wildness. They are so big and powerful and untamed, and I think the majority of people connect with that. I know I do. #ParkChat
AmyParulis
t_jh2009
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Donald_Beard @Wild_Tribute A1) I don't know their name but there's a Buffalo herd in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. #ParkChat
ParksandPoints
replying to @Donald_Beard @Donald_Beard A2) A universal connection we found is the bison mix between being in a herd and having time to exist on their own, though eventually coming back to the herd. #ParkChat
Stars252525
A3 I know genetically the herd is quite pure. I like to think behaviorally that they’re no different than they have always been. Perhaps in managed herds they are more used to people than in, say, Yellowstone, but they are always wild animals. #ParkChat
Stars252525
A4 Fences and roads. Towns. More farms instead of grassland. Wind turbines. I hate seeing the sheer number of turbines on the landscape. #ParkChat
naturetechfam
replying to @Donald_Beard @Donald_Beard #parkchat A4 I'd bet money on the introduction of invasive species in the park, despite management efforts. This can affect their grazing land as well as the general health of the ecosystem. Also, being contained in an area (no matter how large) can affect their desire to roam.
EPCOTExplorer
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Donald_Beard @Wild_Tribute There’s one in @PrairiePaynes in Ocala, Florida! Sadly didn’t see them on my trip there but I did run into our wild horses and great horned owls! #FindYourPark #ParkChat
EPCOTExplorer
replying to @Donald_Beard @Donald_Beard @59NationalParks Seeing Bison is just such a iconic sight. They’re our national mammal. They’re the icon of interior. Seeing them in their natural habitat is a totally American National Park experience. #FindYourPark #ParkChat
Stars252525
A5 I believe people recognize that the herd is unique to the area. Always more education and perhaps a little more publicity. Perhaps a twitter account for the park? I wonder if there could be an exhibit at the Ranching Heritage Center someday. #ParkChat
Stars252525
A6 People still regard bison as a food source, although the meat comes from ranched bison instead of wild. I think. (I never have tasted bison since I’m a vegetarian!) #ParkChat
AnneJoLee