Rare 1 in 10 Million Albino White Bison in Wyoming Was Not Born Due to a Genetic Fluke, Park Officials Said

A remarkably unique white bison, which has odds of one in ten billion, was born at the Bear River State Park near Evanston, Wyoming last week. The Native American College Fund states that white bison hold a sacred significance for certain Native American communities.

According to Cowboy State Daily, Bear River Park Superintendent Tyfani Sager stated that the calf is now modest in size but in good condition.

White Bison Made With Genes From a Cattle

The new mother white bison called Wyoming Hope was bred by one of the park's regular bulls. The 328-acre Bear River State Park is home to 10 adult bison and five calves.

The recent birth marked the first occurrence of a white bison being born within the park. These bison were originally brought to the park near Evanston from Hot Springs State Park in 1992, which is located near Thermopolis.

The National Bison Association notes that the birth of an albino white bison is an incredibly rare event, with odds of approximately 1 in 10 million. The park clarified that the calf's white coloration is not a result of albinism or leucism, but rather a small amount of cattle genetics mixed in. Consequently, although the calf is visually unique, it does not possess exceptional genetic traits.

Park Superintendent Tyfani Sager explained that most bison today have some cattle genetics due to the near-extinction they faced in the late 1800s, The Sacramento Bee reported. Concerns about their extinction led to the introduction of cattle inbreeding, making the birth of a white bison still quite rare.

Bear River State Park will get two white bison cows from Jackson Fork Ranch in Bondurant in 2021. While the second heifer is not scheduled to give birth until next spring, officials have asked that visitors provide plenty of room for the bison to care for their young and enjoy motherhood without interruption.

Park authorities said that visitors will have little difficulty catching a glimpse of the new baby bison, as there are approximately 8 to 10 miles of trails within the park.

Alongside the bison, the park is also inhabited by three bull elk, and more baby bison births are anticipated in the upcoming spring. Bear River State Park boasts a river bottom habitat, attracting a variety of migrating and nesting bird species.

White Bison Is Sacred For Native Americans

Insider reports that the park has yet to determine the gender of the bison calf, which has drawn more tourists to the park since it was born. Sager stated that they are unsure whether the calf is a male or female, as it is covered in thick fur, making it difficult to determine at first glance.

The American Indian College Fund highlights that albino white bison hold sacred significance for certain Native American communities and are incredibly rare.

Among the Lakota Sioux, white bison are considered sacred. According to Native legends, during a summer when the tribe was facing starvation due to the absence of game nearby, two young men ventured into the Black Hills of South Dakota in search of food. There, they encountered a woman dressed in white who instructed them to return to their people and inform them of her impending arrival.

The legend recounts that the woman rolled on the ground four times before transforming into a white bison. Subsequently, bison became abundant for the Lakota Sioux.

That is why the killing of a white bison and its mother on a Lakota ranch in 2012 was met with outrage from others in the community, as stated by the Native American College Fund.

Check out more news and information on Albinism in Science Times.