Wood bison are North America’s largest land mammal. They are easily recognized with their large head, shoulder hump and shaggy coat on their shoulders and front legs. Their fur ranges from brown on most of the body to black on the head.
Both sexes have short black horns. Female horns curve to point to the rear while male horns curve slightly inward. Males are larger than females and can reach weights of over 900 kg, stand 1.8 m in height at the hump and reach 3.8 m in length.
Status
Wood bison are listed as a Threatened species in both the Northwest Territories (NWT) and in Canada.
Populations
Wood bison are found in four populations in the NWT: the Mackenzie, Nahanni, and the Slave River Lowlands, which are managed by the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Wood Buffalo National Park population which is managed by Parks Canada.
Bison numbers are estimated from aerial population surveys conducted in late winter. Bison can be classified into different sex and age categories by their size and horn shape.
The Mackenzie population experienced a large decline from 2012 to 2013, due primarily to an anthrax outbreak, but seems to be recovering. In 2019, the population was estimated to be about 1,945 animals. The Nahanni population was estimated at 544 in 2021, down from 962 animals in 2017. The Slave River Lowlands was estimated at 256 in 2024, continuing a declining trend since 2009.
What the GNWT is doing
The Recovery Strategy for Wood Bison in the Northwest Territories and population-specific management plans guide management of each of the wood bison populations in the NWT. The management plans, developed in partnership with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, renewable resources boards and communities, contain objectives and actions to sustain and recover healthy wood bison in the NWT.
For Hunters
Resident hunters with a tag to hunt wood bison in Unit U (Slave River Lowlands herd), or in D/WB/06 or Unit R (Mackenzie population) must complete a Resident Hunter Mandatory Bison Hunt Report Form whether or not a bison was harvested.