Yellowstone’s Prehistoric Bison: A Comment on Keigley (2019)

Abstract

On the Ground • We provide additional information addressing the issue of whether American bison (Bison bison) were generally absent or present in Yellowstone National Park prior to its establishment in 1872. • Our results support Keigley's conclusion that bison herds before the mid-1800s were absent in Yellowstone National park, and particularly the park's northern range. • Our results also support Keigley's conclusion that bison had no significant role in the ecological processes that helped shape the park's original landscape.