What Saved the American Bison

Josh and Chuck dive into the remarkable story of how North American bison went from nearly 30 million roaming the Great Plains to just 500 surviving animals by 1900, then miraculously bounced back to almost half a million today. They explore the devastating period known as "the Great Slaughter" when railroad expansion, hunting contests, and government policy nearly wiped out these massive 2,000-pound creatures forever. The hosts also clear up the confusion between buffalo and bison, share some fascinating Native American hunting techniques, and reveal how early conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt helped save these iconic animals from extinction.