Overview
We are gathering input to help develop a wood bison recovery plan that outlines goals, objectives, strategies and actions to support wood bison and their habitat in northern Alberta.
Wood bison were listed as threatened under the Wildlife Act in some areas of the province in 2021 and are facing challenges due to disease and conflict with humans.
Feedback will help us ensure the finalized plan supports the long-term viability and growth of Alberta's disease-free populations of wood bison, while considering how to mitigate potential adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of implementing the plan.
Get informed
Listing wood bison as threatened under the Wildlife Act was based on an assessment of Alberta’s wood bison risk of extinction, using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species risk assessment criteria. The threatened status triggered the need for a wood bison recovery plan with specific actions to protect Alberta’s wild wood bison populations, and enable wood bison conservation and recovery.
Learn more about current threats to Alberta’s wood bison and their habitat:
- Wood Bison Status Changes in Alberta
- Managing disease risk in northern Alberta wood bison - outside of Wood Buffalo National Park : progress report
- Fact sheet : managing disease risk in Alberta’s wood bison
Indigenous engagement
We are working with representatives of Indigenous communities and organizations through a series of committees organized around the organized around the Hay-Zama/ Etthithun and Wabasca wood bison populations in northern Alberta to create a draft recovery plan.
Stakeholder engagement
Municipal partners and key stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input into the draft recovery plan in spring and summer 2025.
Next steps
Albertans will be able to share feedback on the draft recovery plan in fall 2025.
Outcomes
All input on the draft plan will be considered in the final wood bison recovery plan. The Endangered Species Conservation Committee will review the final plan and provide recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas regarding approval and implementation of the plan.