Northern Arapaho Tribe Officially Classifies Buffalo as Wildlife on Wind River Indian Reservation

Morton, WY — The Northern Arapaho Tribe has taken a historic step in wildlife conservation by officially classifying buffalo (Bison bison) as wildlife on the Wind River Indian Reservation. This decision affirms the Arapaho Tribe’s deep cultural connection to buffalo and strengthens ongoing efforts to restore and protect buffalo across the Wind River Reservation’s landscapes.

The new Resolution will ensure buffalo receive the same protections as other Native wildlife under Tribal law, safeguarding their future and the ecosystem they help sustain. Buffalo are a keystone species, whose presence benefits landscapes and revitalizes natural habitats, promotes biodiversity, and honors centuries of cultural connections.