Catalina's Bison Herd Shrinks from 600 to 80

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An unintentional wildlife experiment was created a century ago when bison were brought to Catalina Island for a movie but never departed.

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These creatures are around the size of a small automobile, weighing up to 2,000 pounds.

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The island's identity and economy depend heavily on the wild bison that draw tourists to Catalina.

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After being introduced in 1924, the number of bison increased from a small number to a peak of around 600.

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Overgrazing is a problem for the island's ecology, endangering native vegetation.

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To lessen their impact, bison were moved to Native American reserves in the early 2000s.

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Contraceptive shots have prevented the birth of any additional calves since 2013.

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This special era may come to an end in 2053, as there are only 95 bison left.

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The story of Catalina's bison emphasizes how human activity has a long-lasting effect on the ecosystem.

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