Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers

Part of the nonfiction Orca Wild series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book introduces kids to North American bison. It discusses bison history, habitat, biology and threats to survival, and how scientists, conservationists and young people are working to protect bison everywhere.



Bison are North America’s largest land animals.



Some 170,000 wood bison once roamed northern regions, while at least 30 million plains bison trekked across the rest of the continent. Almost driven to extinction in the 1800s by decades of slaughter and hunting, this ecological and cultural keystone species supports biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystems around it. Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers celebrates the traditions and teachings of Indigenous Peoples and looks at how bison lovers of all backgrounds came together to save these iconic animals. Learn about the places where bison are regaining a hoof-hold and meet some of the young people who are welcoming bison back home.