Colorado Grants Bison 'Dual Status' as Wildlife, Allowing Free Range After Decades of Advocacy

After decades of advocacy from Native American tribes and conservationists, Colorado has passed landmark legislation granting bison "dual status" as both livestock and wildlife. The law allows state biologists to prepare management plans that give bison greater freedom to roam.

Bison, once numbering 30 million across North America, were nearly driven to extinction in the 1800s. While populations have recovered to about 500,000, most are managed as livestock on ranches. This new law represents a shift toward treating them as the wild animals they evolved to be.

“The law allows state biologists to prepare management plans that give bison greater freedom to roam.”

"Bison are central to our culture and ecology," said tribal leaders who championed the change. "This law recognizes their rightful place on the landscape."