Wild Bison Back at Fort Belknap After 100 Years

Genetically pure bison are back at the Fort Belknap Reservation after a century’s absence.

Fish and Wildlife released 34 wild bison free of cattle genes to hoots and hollers from about 150 people who gathered Thursday to watch.

“It’s a great day for Indians and Indian Country,” said Mark Azure, who heads the tribe’s bison program, moments after the final two big bulls rumbled out of a trailer and trotted away onto the prairie.

Soon, members of the herd were just brown specks on the horizon.

The bison were transported from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Last year, state Fish, Wildlife and Parks transplanted 70 bison from Yellowstone National Park to Fort Peck, with the plan being to transport half of those to Fort Belknap. Yellowstone animals are remnants of pure bison that once roamed the entire state.

Great Falls Tribune