Riders round up bison on Antelope Island

The Antelope Island Bison Roundup – A Fallen Tradition in Utah – took place Saturday, with horseback riders pushing the large animals from the Garr Fielding north to holding corrals near Whiterock Bay.

In all, about 700 bison were reported to be on the island, a state park located near Syracuse in Davis County. The herd will be visited, receiving vaccinations and health screenings. They also receive a small external computer chip to store health information.

Each year, between 100 and 150 calves are born on the 28,000-acre island, creating a herd that is too wide for the food supply. To keep things in check, about 200 animals are sold at auction, which will be held this year on Nov. 10

The income generated is used for operating costs, habitat improvements and research. Some funds also go to fire protection and weed management.