The Bison Control Area (BCA) is a program implemented to reduce the risk of disease transmission to the Mackenzie and Nahanni populations. Some bison in the greater Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) meta-population, which includes the park and the Slave River Lowlands, are known to be infected with bovine tuberculosis and/or brucellosis.The Mackenzie and Nahanni populations are free of both of these two diseases.

The BCA program was created in 1987 to reduce the risk of spreading these diseases to uninfected bison in the Mackenzie, Nahanni and Hay-Zama (Alberta) populations. Since 1993, the BCA has been jointly funded by Parks Canada and the GNWT. 

What does that mean?

The Bison Control Area is managed as a bison-free zone, a buffer between the regions.

All reports of bison or signs of them in the BCA are investigated and any bison found in the area are dispatched and tested for disease.

What is the GNWT doing?

The GNWT conducts aerial surveillance of the Bison Control Area during the winter months when bison are most likely to cross the Mackenzie River. Winter conditions, with snow on the ground and trees bare of leaves, improve the visibility of bison and signs of their presence, such as tracks and cratering. Additionally, signage and public awareness campaigns also run yearly to encourage people to report any bison seen in the BCA.

What you can do

Anyone who sees a bison within the BCA is asked to report the sighting to 1-866-629-6438 or their local ECC office as soon as possible, because bison are capable of travelling long distances in a short period of time. The success of this program depends greatly on public cooperation and support.

Can I hunt in the Bison Control Area?

Any resident of the Northwest Territories, with a general hunting licence, may hunt bison within the BCA at any time. A hunter who kills a bison in the area is required to report the occurrence as soon as possible to 1-866-629-6438 or their local ECC office.

Map of the Bison Control Area