Expeditions With Patrick McMillan Season 2 Episode 5 Bison - Return of a True American

Expeditions With Patrick McMillan is a show that takes viewers on a journey through some of the most fascinating natural landscapes of North America. In season 2 episode 5, titled Bison - Return of a True American, the show explores the history and ecology of one of North America's most iconic and important animals - the bison.

The episode begins by taking viewers back in time to the early 19th century, when bison populations in North America numbered in the tens of millions. The bison was not only a vital source of food and clothing for many indigenous people, but also played a crucial ecological role in maintaining the prairie grasslands that made up a large part of the continent.

However, within a few short decades, the bison population had been decimated by hunting, disease, and habitat loss. By the late 1800s, only a few hundred bison remained in North America, and the species was on the brink of extinction.

In recent years, however, efforts to restore the bison to its historic range have been underway, and the species is slowly making a comeback. In this episode, Patrick McMillan and his team travel to various locations across the Great Plains to witness the return of this magnificent animal.

Viewers are taken on a journey to the American Prairie Reserve in Montana, where a herd of nearly 1,000 bison now roams free across thousands of acres of prairie grassland. McMillan and his team watch as these majestic animals graze, wallow, and interact with each other, providing valuable insights into their behavior and ecology.

The episode also explores efforts to reintroduce bison to the Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming, and examines the complex social and political issues surrounding the management of these herds.

Throughout the episode, McMillan seeks to deepen our understanding of the crucial ecological role that bison play in maintaining the health and sustainability of the Great Plains ecosystem. From their grazing patterns to the way they dig wallows and distribute nutrients, bison have a profound impact on the landscape, influencing everything from plant growth to water retention.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a newfound appreciation for these incredible animals, and an understanding of the many challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure their continued survival and restoration to their historic range.

Overall, Bison - Return of a True American is a fascinating and informative exploration of one of North America's most important and iconic animals, and a compelling story of conservation and restoration in action.