爱荷华州正在恢复野牛的种群, 在尼尔·史密斯等避难所繁荣发展, Iowa is reviving its bison population, with genetically pure herds now thriving at refuges like Neal Smith, after the animal was wiped out by 1870.

野生野牛曾经大量游荡在爱荷华的草原,但由于过度狩猎皮肤,铁路扩张扰乱迁徙和严冬天气,到1870年被驱逐至灭绝. Wild bison once roamed Iowa’s prairies in large numbers but were driven to extinction in the state by 1870 due to overhunting for hides, railroad expansion disrupting migration, and severe winter weather. 已知最后一只野牛, 一对, 在那年在圣灵湖附近被发现. The last known wild bison, a pair, were seen near Spirit Lake that year. 保护工作已经带来了复苏, 如今在像尼尔·史密斯国家野生动物保护区 (Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge) 这样的地点建立了基因纯净的群体, Conservation efforts have led to a recovery, with genetically pure herds now established at locations like the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City, home to about 70 bison. 游客可以通过景观驱动,观察甲板和在全州的几个地点发现范围来查看动物,标志着爱荷华自然历史中一个物种的复兴. Visitors can view the animals via scenic drives, observation decks, and spotting scopes at several sites across the state, marking a revival of a species central to Iowa’s natural history.