Although the park is named after the pronghorn antelope, it is the abundant bison population that makes it nearly impossible for you to visit Antelope Island without encountering wildlife. The maintained herd, reaching up to 700 individuals, started out as only 12 when ranchers William Glassman and John Dooly first introduced the bison to the area with the monetary motivation to start a hunting ranch and charge people to come and hunt.
It wasn’t until 1926 that the pair realized their plans were financially doomed, and a planned eradication of the bison was planned. While almost successful, a few surviving bison quickly repopulated the island and became the ancestors to the dominating herd who call the island home today.
With no natural predators, yearly roundups are held on the island to keep population numbers from destroying Antelope Island’s ecosystem and to vaccinate the ones who remain. Overabundant bison are rehomed to nearby parks, such as Yellowstone, or purchased by local farmers.
While not native to the area, these bison are graceful and wonderful to watch from a safe distance of 25 yards. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are among the other large mammals that you can spot roaming the island. More keen observers will also be able to spot badgers, porcupines, and one of the many birds that nest on the island such as blue herons, ibis, red-winged blackbirds, and California gulls.
