Two Baby Bison Born at Fermilab as Calving Season Begins

Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois, has welcomed the birth of two healthy bison calves, marking the start of the laboratory’s annual calving season. The herd, established in 1969, is carefully managed to maintain genetic diversity and ensure the animals remain close to pure American bison, with genetic testing confirming little to no cattle genes present. Calving season typically continues through June, with around 20 calves expected this year. The new calves are born with cinnamon-colored coats that darken as they mature and can weigh up to 350 pounds by six months. Fermilab encourages visitors to observe the iconic herd, emphasizing the symbolic and ecological significance of the bison to the laboratory. The program is self-sustaining, with some bison sold to farmers annually to support outreach and continued herd management.