Source: Washington Post
The National Bison Legacy Act passed in the Senate, and now awaits approval from President Obama to make the Bison the nation’s official animal. The powerful beast that was once a primary source of food and clothing for Native Americans nearly became extinct when settlers introduced disease and even led movements to drive the extinction of the mammals as a method of controlling Native American tribes, to completely strip them of all their resources. Bison numbers were also drastically reduced from millions to a few thousands with the introduction of guns and horses, making them easy to hunt.
The mammals nearly became extinct, until 2014, when populations made a comeback as a result of conservationist efforts. A legacy of serious efforts to save the species began in 1894 with the first legislation passed to protect bison; in 1896 the American Bison Society was formed, which collected a donation of 15 bison to protect and help preserve the species; now, the bison will become a national symbol the historically symbolic species’ powerful comeback, as a result of conservationist and wildlife preservation efforts.
The bison represents the highest ideals of America, “unity, resilience and healthy landscapes and communities,” said Cristián Samper, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Read full story ta: Washington Post