The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Conservancy’s Dunn Ranch preserve, located in the heart of the Grand River Grasslands in northwest Missouri, is entering one of the most dramatic and exciting phases of prairie restoration: the reintroduction of bison onto the landscape. The bison’s presence on the prairie will restore ecological processes which are integral components of natural grassland communities.

1. When were bison last seen in Missouri?

   1950s

   1950s | Incorrect

   1840s

   1840s | Correct

   Correct - the last known wild bison in Missouri was reportedly spotted in Camden County.  Before they were hunted to near extinction in the late 1800s, bison roamed the Great Plains for nearly 10,000 years.

   1890s

   1890s | Incorrect

   1780s

   1780s | Incorrect

2. What do bison primarily eat?

   Grasses and sedges

   Grasses and sedges | Correct

   Correct - Bison graze on dominant sedges and grasses and avoid broadleaf and flowering plants (called forbs); this results in a biologically rich prairie. In contrast, cattle primarily consume forbs, allowing sedges and grasses to grow unchecked.

   Broadleaf plants

   Broadleaf plants | Incorrect

   Tree leaves and bark

   Tree leaves and bark | Incorrect

   Prairie chickens

   Prairie chickens | Incorrect

3. Which bison behavior increases diversity in native grassland species?

   Wallowing

   Wallowing | Correct

   You're partially correct!

   Roaming

   Roaming | Correct

   You're partially correct!

   Tree horning

   Tree horning | Correct

   You're partially correct!

   All of the above

   All of the above | Correct

   Correct - Grazed and trampled areas left by bison herds result in a diversity of structure on the prairie, creating habitat for a wide range of native birds, plants, insects, and other animals.

4. True or False: Most bison possess cattle DNA.

   True

   True | Correct

   Correct - Bison were commonly interbred with cattle to create an animal that was larger than traditional beef cows and better able to tolerate harsh winters.  The bison herd at Dunn Ranch will be genetically pure, having originated from Wind Cave National Park - one of only two founding herds that were not crossbred with cattle.

   False

   False | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

5. True or False: Bison can carry diseases that also affect cattle.

   True

   True | Correct

   Correct - That's why the Conservancy is being extra cautious with the bison herd at Dunn Ranch, just like any cattle rancher would be with his or her cattle herd.  All bison entering or leaving the Dunn Ranch bison herd will be tested for disease, and an annual roundup will be conducted to test and, if necessary, treat bison for any diseases or parasites. Calves at Dunn Ranch will be routinely vaccinated.

   False

   False | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

6. True or False: The bison reintroduction at Dunn Ranch will benefit the local community.

   True

   True | Correct

   Correct - The Nature Conservancy supports local businesses by purchasing equipment and supplies locally and by hiring local contractors.  Although the Conservancy is tax exempt, the organization voluntarily pays property taxes for the Dunn Ranch property annually.  Additionally, the bison at Dunn Ranch will draw visitors who stay at local hotels and eat at nearby restaurants, and will provide engaging educational opportunities for school groups.

   False

   False | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

   | Incorrect

7. How high can bison jump?

   0 feet

   0 feet | Incorrect

   3 feet

   3 feet | Incorrect

   6 feet

   6 feet | Correct

   Correct - Though massive, bison are surprisingly agile - they can jump 6 feet vertically and more than 7 feet horizontally.

   9 feet

   9 feet | Incorrect

8. How fast can bison run?

   2 miles per hour

   2 miles per hour | Incorrect

   8 miles per hour

   8 miles per hour | Incorrect

   20 miles per hour

   20 miles per hour | Incorrect

   35 miles per hour

   35 miles per hour | Correct

   Correct  - Bison are also strong swimmers!

9. How long do bison live?

   8-10 years

   8-10 years | Incorrect

   18-22 years

   18-22 years | Correct

   Correct - Bison in the wild live about 18-22 years. In captivity, they can live to be as old as 30.

   40-50 years

   40-50 years | Incorrect

   62-70 years

   62-70 years | Incorrect

10. How much do bison weigh?

    200-400 pounds

    200-400 pounds | Incorrect

    900-2,200 pounds

    900-2,200 pounds | Correct

    Correct - Males are usually larger than females.  Bison may grow to 6.5 feet in height, and usually range in length from 10-12.5 feet.

    2,400-3,000 pounds

    2,400-3,000 pounds | Incorrect

    Over 3,000 pounds

    Over 3,000 pounds | Incorrect