Bison on Catalina Island
How did bison arrive on Catalina Island?
It is natural to ask why bison, also called the American Buffalo, live on Catalina Island. Several versions of the story exist, but the account heard most often says they were transported to the island in 1924 for a Zane Grey feature film, either The Vanishing American or The Thundering Herd. Fifteen head of bison appeared in scenes meant to represent the American West. According to the tale, the footage featuring the bison did not make the final cut. Because removing and managing the animals was difficult, Mr. William Wrigley, the owner of Catalina Island, permitted the newcomers to remain.
Is the animal a bison or a buffalo?
The herd on Catalina island is made up of American Bison. Buffalo originate in Africa and Asia; bison live in North America and Europe.
Where do the bison live and wander?
Through the Catalina Island Conservancy, 88% of Catalina Island is protected. Established in the early 1970s, this land trust covers 62 miles of beaches and coves along with more than 165 miles of roads and trails, including the 38.5 mile Trans Catalina Trail that crosses the island from end to end.
How many bison live on Catalina Island today?
The Catalina Island Conservancy manages the herd with a focus on keeping it healthy and at no more than 150 individual bison.
How can visitors view bison on Catalina Island?
Bison may be spotted while visitors are driving, hiking, biking, or taking tours through Catalina Island's interior. The Catalina Island Conservancy runs an EcoTour, the Catalina Island Company provides several interior tours including a dedicated Bison Tour, and Catalina Island Adventure Tours also offers multiple interior tours. Leyva's Electric Bikes additionally offers a Jeep Eco Tour.
How does Catalina Island celebrate bison?
Visitors can enjoy a Buffalo Milk, shop for a stuffed bison, ornament, sticker, or t-shirt, or try a Bison Burger on Catalina Island.
Bison Tours
In the 1920's 14 bison were brought to Catalina Island during production of a feature film. After they remained on the island, they became an important part of its story.
Catalina Food Trails
Catalina Food Trails highlights Catalina's Bison Burger and Buffalo Milk Food Trails.
Bison encounters and safety
Bison can not enter the city of Avalon, though they sometimes move into the village of Two Harbors and into several interior campgrounds. Anyone who comes across a bison while hiking, camping, or biking should remember that these animals roam freely and are not domesticated. If they feel threatened or provoked, they may react aggressively, and encounters can result in serious injury. Use extreme caution.
Bison Safety
The Catalina Island Conservancy provides a bison safety sheet for hikers, bikers, and other visitors traveling into the island's interior.
- Stay at least 100 ft away from any bison! Note: there is no guaranteed safe distance
- They may appear docile, but can be defensive if they feel threatened.
- Do not approach bison to take pictures or for any other reason. Your bison selfie isn’t worth your life!
- Bison can weigh up to 1800 lbs and can run up to 35 mph.