Yellowstone's bison population has made a dramatic recovery from near extinction over a century ago, with thousands now roaming the park. Jessica Bowron, acting director of the National Park Service, has described this transformation as an "incredible conservation story" that demonstrates what decades of scientific work and cooperation among Tribal, state, local and federal partners can achieve. The recovery is significant because it has shifted the conservation challenge from simply saving the species to managing a thriving herd, whilst also enabling the establishment of new conservation populations beyond the park itself.

The Bison Conservation Transfer Program has relocated more than 600 live bison to 29 Tribal nations across 13 states since 2019, with over 200 transferred in 2026 alone. Each Tribal recipient manages its herd according to its own priorities and sovereignty. However, the work remains ongoing; whilst Yellowstone's focus is now on managing its established herd, other regions still prioritise population rebuilding. Managing the recovered herds requires continued cooperation across park boundaries and surrounding communities, as the animals naturally move across landscapes without regard to administrative lines.