2 THE AMERICAN BISON IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. 



The total number of buffalo or bison in Canada is 669. Of these, 

 600 are pure blood, running wild, and 69 are in captivity. Of the 

 latter, 44 are pure blood and 25 mixed blood. 



In countries outside of North America it is estimated that there are 

 128 buffalo or bison all of which are believed to be in captivity. 



Answering specifically the questions propounded in this resolution, 

 it may be stated that the buffalo or bison running wild in the United 

 States are rapidly diminishing in numbers, while those being domes- 

 ticated, or in captivity, under proper climatic and other conditions, 

 appear to be increasing in numbers. 



The majority of the animals in captivity are owned by private per- 

 sons, firms, and corporations; frequent changes in the ownership of 

 the animals occur, some are exported from the United States and others 

 are killed for their hides and heads, which are valuable. 



In my judgment, steps should be taken b}^ the United States for the 

 preservation from extinction of the buffalo or American bison, and 

 with that end in A r iew I have submitted to Congress an estimate of 

 $30,000 for the purchase of buffalo and the corraling of them in the 

 Yellowstone National Park. With these animals in a national reser- 

 vation, under governmental supervision, it is believed that a herd of 

 pure-blooded American bison may be domesticated, which will increase 

 in numbers, and the herd now running wild in the park may be also 

 benefited by the introduction therein of new blood. 



Appended hereto is a tabulated statement showing the number of 

 animals running wild and in captivity in the several States and Terri- 

 tories, as well as those in Canada and in countries outside of North 

 America. 



Very respectfully, E. A. Hitchcock, 



Secretary. 



The President pro tempore of 



the United States Senate. 



Statistics of American buffalo. 





Running 



In captivity. 



Location. 



wild- 









pure blood. 



Pure bloods. 



Hybrids. 



United States: 









Alabama 



0 



0 



0 





0 



0 



0 





0 



0 



0 



Arkansas 



0 



0 



0 



California 



0 



15 



0 



Colorado 



50 



6 



0 



Connecticut 



0 



6 



0 



Delaware 



0 



0 



0 



District of Columbia 



0 



11 



0 





0 



0 



0 



Georgia 



0 



0 



0 





0 



3 



0 



Illinois 



0 



13 



0 



Indiana 



0 



2 



0 



Indian Territory 



0 



0 



0 



Iowa 



0 



23 



1 





0 



5 



0 





0 



0 



0 





0 



0 



0 





0 



2 



0 





0 



0 



0 





0 



27 



0 





0 



9 



0 





0 



21 



3 



