Just over a century ago, millions of bison roamed free across the great plains of North America. According to the Canadian Bison Association, historical accounts suggest there were 60 million bison in 1800, but by the end of the century, there were less than 1,000 bison in North America. After nearing extinction, the noble bison is now one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. Over 500,000 bison thrive on natural grasslands across Canada and the US, with the vast majority raised on farms and ranches.