Bison in Florida?! It's TRUE! And here's where to find them.
Did you know that bison can be found in Florida? Yes, it's true! While bison are typically associated with Yellowstone and the Great Plains of North America, there are bison living in the protected prairies and ranches in Florida.
Where can you find bison in Florida?
One of the most popular spots to see bison in Florida is at the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. This expansive park, located near Gainesville, is home to a herd of bison that roam freely across the grasslands. Visitors can observe these iconic animals in their natural habitat, grazing and living a wild lifestyle.
Why are bison in Florida?
The presence of bison in Florida can be traced back to efforts to restore the species in the state. Bison were once native to Florida but were hunted to extinction in the 19th century. In recent years, conservationists have reintroduced bison to certain areas of the state as part of ongoing efforts to restore the natural ecosystem.
A pair of Bison from Yellowstone National Park; my original photo available in the shop.
What is the significance of bison in Florida?
Bison play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the areas where they are reintroduced. As large herbivores, bison help to shape the landscape through their grazing habits, creating diverse habitats for other wildlife. By reintroducing bison to Florida, conservationists are working to restore the natural diversity of the region.
Other Wildlife to See at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park:
A herd of wild horses, white-tailed deer, a variety of birds from owls to sandhill cranes to the endangered Whooping Cranes. Of course, there's American alligators, and many more different kinds of wildlife to discover, from the prairie to the marshlands to the forest.
White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus
Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis
Wild Horses (apologies for the blurry photo ;)
American Alligator, Alligator mississippensis
Find more information about Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/paynes-prairie-preserve-state-park
Tips for a Better Visit:
If you've never been to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, then I recommend going to the main entrance park to get familiar with the variety of trails before you feature out to explore them. Climb the TALL observation tower, where I've seen wild horses and a whooping crane fly in with a flock of sandhill cranes.
Two of my favorite places to visit inside the park:
Bolen Bluff (featured in the video) - great place to see the bison.
La Chua Trail - it includes a nice elevated boardwalk to observe alligators and wading birds, and then a very short but wide open trail to see more wildlife.
Both trails are easy to maneuver and not long at all, with great parking areas.
There is a campground, but I have not experienced it, so if you have, let us know what you think about it.
Beautiful sunrise on a frost covered prairie.
This is a perfect little microadventure at any time of the year, but it was special seeing it covered with frost during our chilly Florida winters.
*All photos are my own.*