Well it’s been 2 weeks since that chilly day we welcomed the new residents of the farm and we wanted to let people know how things have been going so far.
Firstly, we’re so encouraged at how the region has taken to our project! The positive comments and interest in our efforts to build a safe sustainable source of food near Anzac are much appreciated and we hope you’ll continue to follow our progress.
Our bison are settling well into their new home, eating lots and establishing their leadership structure. We’ve had some pushing and shoving among the bigger animals but nothing unexpected and they’re respecting the enclosure so in short, the herd is adjusting well and we remain diligent in their care.
On that score, we’d like to thank everyone for respecting the herd’s privacy. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals and capable of massive force. Groups of people, loud noises and activity will spook them. Their preference is to flee but individual buffalo are unpredictable and will attack with a mean intention if they feel provoked. That said, The buffalo love it when you wave to them as you drive by and appreciate that you respect their space and your own safety by not obstructing traffic, pulling over and especially not entering the private laydown area. We plan on building a nice viewing area for the public in the future but right now we’re focused on building a healthy, calm herd.
We have 4 individuals authorized to work on the ranch and with the animals. Part of the introduction is to create a relationship and familiarity between each animal, the herd and each worker. Right now, we’ve studied bison and bison behaviour generally. The next step is individual to individual, understanding each animal’s tendencies and the herd as a whole.
We’ve worked hard to ensure the safety of the public and the animals and appreciate the support of the communities of RMWB. If anyone has any questions about the Willow Lake Métis Farms Project, feel free to call the office at 780 334-0008 and let’s have a conversation.
-Matt Michetti
Meet a Buffalo
This little lady is emerging as our herd leader. Her government name is Bison Bison Athabascae and she hasn’t yet shown us her true name. She’s around 8 years old and almost 640 kg. and 2 meters at the hump, if you look you can see a baby bump and with her age, she’s an experienced mother who is doing her best to keep the others in line.
By the snow on her face, we know she’s been foraging as well as eating the hay we supply. It’s important for bison to eat the dead grass under the snow. As they churn up the snow cover, it mixes with the grass and provides the only water the bison will “drink” all winter. In typical leadership behaviour, she came to the front of the herd, made sure I saw her and that I could see that she saw me. She’s a powerful animal who is neither intimidated nor angry, just waiting to see what I’ll do next, at 75 meters distance, I backed away slowly.
