Rare White Bison Calf Dies at Iowa Wildlife Refuge

The white bison calf born earlier this year at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has died, bringing a difficult end to an extremely rare and closely watched birth in Iowa’s tall prairie grass.

When the calf was first born in early May, it immediately drew attention for its unusually light coat. Most bison calves are born with a reddish-brown coloring that helps them blend into the prairie landscape. A white coat is something almost never seen in the wild, making this birth stand out not just locally, but nationally.

White bison are estimated to occur in around1 in a million births, or even rarer depending on the source. That rarity is part of why they carry significance beyond their biology.

For area Indigenous nations, including the Lakota, the white buffalo holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It is tied to the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman and is seen as a symbol of hope, renewal, and balance. Because of that, news surrounding the birth of this calf has carried added weight.

Recently, concern had been raised publicly about the calf’s condition. In a Facebook post, one visitor shared video and images from the refuge and described what he observed. It was suggested that the calf was being butted by other young bison (seen in the video shared) and showed visible injuries to its back leg. The post said at times the white bison lagged behind the herd. He also expressed concern for the animal’s wellbeing, while acknowledging the harsh realities of life in the wild.

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Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and at the Neal Smith Refuge have confirmed the calf's death. They noted the cultural importance of a white bison to many Tribal Nations and said they are working to communicate with them in a timely and respectful way. Partners are also gathering information and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the calf's death.