In a scene reminiscent of the movie "Dances With Wolves," hundreds of bison were rounded up Saturday at Antelope Island State Park. The roundup is part an annual fall event that continues through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Three helicopters, nine four-wheel-drive vehicles and 450 horses were used in the bison drive. Officials hope to capture about 700 animals that are part of the Antelope Island herd.Close to 100 spectators watched the scene from about a mile away at Buffalo Head Point.
"Oh, it's a riot," said Sheryl Jones of Mapleton, who came with her husband, Dan, to see the spectacle. This is the second year the Joneses have witnessed the bison drive.
The roundup continues today. The remaining animals will be herded from the southern end of the island into holding corrals near park headquarters.
The animals will then rest for four days to overcome the effects of stress from the roundup.
On Friday, Nov. 1, workers will move bison through a chute to determine weights, draw blood samples and vaccinate the animals. Officials plan to continue veterinary treatments for four days.
"From the public's perspective, that may be the most fun time to come out here and watch," said Tim Smith, Antelope Island park manager. "Next weekend they can get up close here and see the bison."
Interpreters will be on hand for free guided tours of the facilities.
Approximately 150 bison will be sold for breeding and meat production, Smith said. Proceeds from bison sales are used in the Antelope Island wildlife management program for operating costs, habitat improvement, research and upkeep on corrals.
Some bison will also be traded with other herds to increase genetic diversity.
"The purpose of the roundup is to maintain the health of range lands for all the species out here," Smith said, adding that studies have shown the island's resources can only carry about 550 bison.
The bison herd on Antelope Island is disease-free, in part because of the annual roundup and careful record-keeping. Each animal is implanted with a microchip that gives scientists access to a complete medical history.
Bison roam the southern part of the island throughout the year, avoiding the more developed northern end. They weigh as much as 2,000 pounds and can sprint up to 30 mph. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope also play on the grassy rangeland that makes up most of the island.
Bison have thrived on Antelope Island since 1893, making the herd one of the oldest in the United States. It is also the third-largest public herd in the nation. Some private herds total thousands of animals.
Scientists are especially interested in the Antelope Island herd because of a unique genetic strain found only in these animals.
Smith said although "buffalo" burgers may be available at Buffalo Head Point, the correct name for the animal is bison. Food, beverages and bison memorabilia are available throughout the roundup.
Ken Kraus, media marketing director for the Utah Travel Council, said the island is a great tourist draw. "For us, Antelope Island provides the most important access to, and interest in, the Great Salt Lake," he said. "We feel this is a tremendous destination that is further enhanced by the activities of the state parks people."
Antelope Island is accessible via the Davis County causeway, west of Syracuse and Hill Air Force Base on exit 335 off I-15. The entrance fee is $6 per car.