Its Pros and Cons There were few problems in the raising of buffalo at the Park. None escaped the exterior fences in the thirty years they roamed near Wainwright. Left alone in the open grazing areas, they seemed content to share their space with other wildlife. Calving season, April to June, created no particular difficulties. The calves are small, developing their heavier front quarters as they mature. Flies and mosquitoes were plentiful but wallowing in sand or dust alleviated any discomfort these pests may have inflicted upon the bison. During Buffalo Park’s existence, no prairie fires threatened its confines. Fireguards were ploughed on either side of fence lines and maintained as a fire control method should an incident arise. Badger holes created havoc with riders and horses, especially during roundup when speed allows little time to locate the burrows. Horses’ injuries after encountering such an obstacle in full gallop were often serious, some valuable animals having to be destroyed. Strong willed and “on the prod” buffalo were always a concern. Ray Sharp recalls often a jilted bull during rutting season would sulk in the bushes until some unsuspecting cowboy approached. The buffalo would then take his anger out on the horse and rider. This ugly attitude also caused injuries to the herd, the bull being powerful to the point of lifting a cow into the air with his horns and thick neck. Also on occasion, a bison entrapped by muskeg had to be roped and rescued by riders. Once free from the bog, the ungrateful beast charged its saviors. This reaction was repeated during one incident with a cow and porcupine quills. Men snubbed her to a post, stretched her with a heel rope and proceeded to remove the seventy offending probes. To add insult to injury, they milked her before releasing the distraught momma, but she sent them scurrying to the top rails of the corral before returning to her youngster. The milk was sent to Ontario to be tested and found to be extremely rich in vitamin content. It was decided the market for such a product might not be worth the trouble to obtain the goods. _________image_________ Buffalo in winter feeding grounds by Park Farm.