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SALT LAKE CITY — Before first light on Saturday, preparations for the 36th annual Bison Roundup were already underway at Antelope Island State Park.
Many dozen riders on horseback — some hired, some volunteers — drove approximately 700 bison from the Fielding Garr Ranch area to a corral in the White Rock Bay Campground area. According to the state park's website, "The bison roundup is a primary tool utilized to help ensure the continued health of one of the nation's largest and oldest public bison herds." Upon being herded into the holding corral, the bison are left alone for a few days before being sorted and given a health check.
After being cataloged, roughly 100-200 bison are sold at a public auction. The auction is set to take place on Nov. 6.
The state park's website adds, "The manageable herd size for bison on the island is between around 500-550 bison, and each year there are between 100-200 calves born into the herd. With no natural predators on the island capable of taking down a bison, it is necessary to artificially reduce the herd size to balance out the food supply."
More information on the annual bison roundup can be found here: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/bison-roundup/
