The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 823: Restoring Alaska's Wild Buffalo
Jan 19, 2026
Join Tom Seaton, the Lead Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Wood Bison Restoration Project, as he dives into the thrilling challenge of reintroducing wood bison to Alaska. He discusses the legal nuances of buffalo classifications, sourcing animals from Canada, and habitat constraints. Learn about the ecological importance of restoring these animals and the complexities of population dynamics, including the risks of winter mortality and the surprising navigational skills of bison. Tom sheds light on community involvement in conservation and the ongoing efforts to ensure the wood bison thrive.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Document Historical Presence First
- Use archaeological, radiocarbon, and oral history evidence to justify reintroductions as restorations.
- Follow NEPA and ESA processes and build public support before acting.
Logistics Of The First Release
- In spring 2015 Alaska flew 100 bison to a pen near Shageluk then barge-transported bulls hundreds of river miles to join them.
- Sixty percent of bulls joined cows within 24 hours and the groups adapted quickly to wild landscape.
Bison Find Critical Microhabitats
- Released bison rapidly explored and discovered microhabitats like low-snow wintering areas tens of miles from release sites.
- Their navigation and habitat selection far exceed human expectations.
