Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/bison-rescuer/

Bison were almost driven to extinction in the late 1800s. North America’s largest mammal went from a population of 30 to 60 million bison to a saddening number of 1,000. They were gravely endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. It was reported that bison were robbed of areas to graze due to livestock brought by newcomers. The changes pushed them to settle in smaller lands that weren’t sufficient enough for their population. Bison herds continue to decrease as new settlers arrive in Native American Land. They used them for sports and treated them as livestock. Such activities indicate inevitable extinction until efforts were made by conservationists and the indigenous people.

The bison population was successfully restored to 20,000 — all safe in refuges and parks. Due to their relevance to American culture, the bison was named the national mammal of the United States in 2016. Thankfully, the fascinating wild animals still exist and are well-taken care of. They are treasured and protected just like Lucy, the feisty young bison. The adorable land mammal has been living the best life since Emmie, her rescuer, took her home. It’s rare to get news of a bison getting rescued and transferred to a sanctuary. That’s why Emmie and Lucy’s story is quite interesting and has given people a glimpse of a bison’s personality.

“A ranch called, and they were like, ‘Do you want an orphaned bison?’ And I was like, ‘Yes.” Emmie shared. “She would paw the ground and try to charge me, and I’m like, ‘Lucy, you are like, 2 weeks old. You’re not gonna run me over.’ She didn’t understand that I was trying to feed her.” It was chaotic when Lucy first came to the farm. Emmie made efforts to give her the attention she needs. Also, it’s understandable that Lucy might be young, but her wild side is a natural thing for her. It all takes patience and genuine care to finally break down her walls. She went from trying to charge Emmie to finally learning that feeding bottles give food and are not an enemy.

Progress in their relationship happened because the animal rescuer was a hands-on mom. Emmie would stay close to Lucy to make her feel comfortable around her presence. She has to prove that she’s not a threat but a friend waiting to bond with her. “Orphaned bisons’ survival rates are pretty low, which is why no one really thought she would live through the weekend when I first got her,” Emmie explained. Thankfully, Lucy did survive and became the first baby bison on the farm. She finally acknowledges Emmie as her mom — they’re also like best buds who love teasing each other.

Aside from Emmie, Lucy gets along with horses and their resident dog, which she loves named Johnny. They would go on camping trips together and run through fields for fun. Although Lucy became her source of happiness and lovely companion, Emmie has left advice for those planning to adopt a bison. “I’m still really careful with her, no matter how much I love her, they’re always gonna be a little wild. I don’t suggest that anyone goes out and seeks out getting a bison.”

Indeed, people should be reminded not to make rash decisions when adopting animals. The difference with Emmie is that she is capable of giving Lucy a life where she’s not limited — where her physical, emotional, and mental needs are provided. Lucy is still able to run through fields and be one with her natural habitat. Witness that beautiful herd life in the video below or follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. Watch Emmie, the exemplary rescuer, and hands-on mom to her beloved animals.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog