Antelope Island Bison
Antelope Island is home to one of the largest and oldest public bison herds in the United States: Utah State Parks puts it at 550 to 700 animals, all descended from 12 bison brought to the island in 1893. They roam free across the whole island, so you can see them from the park roads on most visits. Bison can run up to 35 miles an hour, and approaching, feeding or disturbing them is prohibited. Stay in or near your car and give them plenty of room.
The Herd at a Glance
Where to See Bison on Antelope Island
The herd ranges over the entire 28,022-acre island, and it moves with the seasons and the grass, so there is no guaranteed spot. Watch the open rangeland as you drive; the island's roads run along the north end, the northwest shore to White Rock Bay, and down the east side to the Fielding Garr Ranch (Trail Map). The bison corrals, used during the fall roundup, are just south of where the causeway reaches the island.
Ask at the Visitor Center where the herd has been seen that day.
How to Watch Bison Safely
- Keep your distance. Utah State Parks asks visitors to always keep a respectful distance; approaching wildlife is dangerous to you and stressful to the animals.
- Don't change their behavior. Feeding, touching, teasing or doing anything that makes an animal change what it's doing is prohibited and can be cited.
- Remember the speed. A bison can run up to 35 mph, far faster than any person.
- On trails, bison may be on or near the path. Give them a wide berth or turn around. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash.
- Park in designated areas only. The brochure asks drivers not to park along the roadside.
Bison or Buffalo?
They're often called buffalo (the island's restaurant is the Island Buffalo Grill), but Utah State Parks points out they are North American bison. True buffalo live in Asia and Africa. Bison have a shoulder hump of pure muscle, a beard under the chin, black horns and a tufted tail. They are nearsighted and rely on smell and hearing.
How the Herd Began
According to the park's history, 12 bison were bought in 1893 by the island's owners, White and Dooly, and brought over by George Frary and William Walker. By 1911 there were about 100, one of the largest herds in the country, and in 1922 the herd appeared in the silent film The Covered Wagon, filmed at what is now called Camera Flats. The first modern bison roundup was held in 1987.
Why the Herd Is Managed
The island can support about 500 to 550 bison, and 100 to 200 calves are born every year. With no natural predator on the island able to take down a bison, the park rounds up the herd every fall, checks every animal, and sells the extras at a public auction (Bison Roundup). Pronghorn, bighorn sheep and mule deer share the same food supply, so herd size matters for all of them.
Other Animals You'll See
Pronghorn (the island's namesake), mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes and millions of migrating birds. See Wildlife & Birds.
Antelope Island Bison FAQ
How many bison are on Antelope Island?
Utah State Parks says 550 to 700. The herd descends from 12 bison brought to the island in 1893 and is kept near 500 to 550 by the annual fall roundup.
Where can I see bison on Antelope Island?
Anywhere on the island; they roam free. Watch the rangeland from the park roads and ask at the Visitor Center where they've been seen.
Are Antelope Island bison dangerous?
They are wild animals that can run up to 35 mph. Keep a respectful distance, never approach, feed or touch them, and keep dogs leashed.
Are they bison or buffalo?
Bison. They're often called buffalo, but true buffalo live in Asia and Africa; these are North American bison.
How did bison get to Antelope Island?
Twelve bison were brought to the island in 1893 by its owners, White and Dooly. Today's herd descends from them.