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Story
July 8, 1888
Wichita Eagle
Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas
What is this article about?
Article describes the remaining wood buffalo in British Columbia, larger than plains bison with straighter horns adapted to northern undergrowth. Estimates 500-600 left in scattered bands. Difficult to hunt without horses; suggests protecting from white sportsmen to aid survival.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
THE WOOD BUFFALO
A Few of These Animals Still in Existence in British Columbia.
There still remain some of the wood buffalo. This is an animal larger than the American bison of the plains. They are larger, coarser-haired and straighter-horned. I mention this peculiarity of difference in the horns because it is believed that the shape and the broken and crooked nature of the horns of the prairie buffalo has been caused by his habit of digging into the gravel, whereas in the more northern species they had to contend with other conditions, where straight horns would be of more use, as, for instance, they use them there for clearing aside from their pathway the brush and luxuriant undergrowth. These animals would weigh at least 150 pounds more than the buffalo of the Saskatchewan plains. In the northern regions the vetches and grasses are so high, and the snowfalls not being unduly heavy, they have not had to paw and break the crusted snow, as was the habit of the buffalo, and that may account for their superior size. In the country where these are found horses can not be used in pursuit and they are stalked in the same manner that the moose and the other large animals are. It is difficult to form an accurate estimate of the number of these animals that may be left. But perhaps investigation may show that five or six hundred may yet remain in scattered bands. Owing to the fact that the horse can not be used in pursuit, it is more difficult for the Indians to hunt them, and indeed to find them, than it was in the old days of hunting upon the plains. So rank is the undergrowth of this rich country, and so difficult is it for the Indians to get at these animals, that, perhaps, just now any attempt on the part of the Government to afford protection to them would be useless. Then if, however, some regulation would prevent white sportsmen from deliberately coming into the country to hunt these animals for mere pleasure, it might result to advantage. At present it would be vexation to the Indians, and of no great use, as the animal has become in its habits so much like the moose that he is able in a great measure to protect himself. — Montreal Gazette.
A Few of These Animals Still in Existence in British Columbia.
There still remain some of the wood buffalo. This is an animal larger than the American bison of the plains. They are larger, coarser-haired and straighter-horned. I mention this peculiarity of difference in the horns because it is believed that the shape and the broken and crooked nature of the horns of the prairie buffalo has been caused by his habit of digging into the gravel, whereas in the more northern species they had to contend with other conditions, where straight horns would be of more use, as, for instance, they use them there for clearing aside from their pathway the brush and luxuriant undergrowth. These animals would weigh at least 150 pounds more than the buffalo of the Saskatchewan plains. In the northern regions the vetches and grasses are so high, and the snowfalls not being unduly heavy, they have not had to paw and break the crusted snow, as was the habit of the buffalo, and that may account for their superior size. In the country where these are found horses can not be used in pursuit and they are stalked in the same manner that the moose and the other large animals are. It is difficult to form an accurate estimate of the number of these animals that may be left. But perhaps investigation may show that five or six hundred may yet remain in scattered bands. Owing to the fact that the horse can not be used in pursuit, it is more difficult for the Indians to hunt them, and indeed to find them, than it was in the old days of hunting upon the plains. So rank is the undergrowth of this rich country, and so difficult is it for the Indians to get at these animals, that, perhaps, just now any attempt on the part of the Government to afford protection to them would be useless. Then if, however, some regulation would prevent white sportsmen from deliberately coming into the country to hunt these animals for mere pleasure, it might result to advantage. At present it would be vexation to the Indians, and of no great use, as the animal has become in its habits so much like the moose that he is able in a great measure to protect himself. — Montreal Gazette.
What sub-type of article is it?
Animal Story
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Nature
Survival
What keywords are associated?
Wood Buffalo
British Columbia
Bison Differences
Northern Animals
Hunting Difficulties
Animal Protection
Where did it happen?
British Columbia
Story Details
Location
British Columbia
Story Details
Description of the wood buffalo, larger and different from plains bison, their habits in northern regions, estimated numbers remaining, hunting difficulties, and suggestion for protection from white sportsmen.