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Historians and biologists have tried to estimate the pre-1500's bison population from descriptions and estimates of the early hunters and travelers. These and the estimates of buffalo numbers during the 1800's are “informed guesses,” since scientific sampling methods were not used by early observers. Nevertheless, the crude estimates do indicate a dramatic trend.
Using the data below, graph the population of bison from pre-European settlement to the present. Label key points on the graph to show significant historical events from this chapter that help to explain changes in the buffalo population.
Population Estimates for North American Bison
| Researcher |
Date |
Estimate |
| T. McHugh |
1500s |
30,000,000 |
| E.T. Seton |
1850 |
20,000,000 |
| C.J. Jones |
1870 |
14,000,000 |
| William T. Hornaday |
1889 |
1,091 |
| E.T. Seton |
1895 |
800 |
| Mark Sullivan |
1900 |
1,024 |
| Dr. Frank Baker |
1905 |
1,697 |
| American Bison Society |
1910 |
2,108 |
| American Bison Society |
1914 |
3,788 |
| American Bison Society |
1920 |
8,473 |
| American Bison Society |
1929 |
18,494 |
| Henry H. Collins |
1951 |
23,154 |
| J.A. Rorabacher |
1970 |
30,000 |
| J. R. Luoma |
1993 |
120,000 |
| National Bison Assoc. |
2000 |
364,000 |
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