Buffalo and Elk Conservation History

By the late 19th century, America's wildlife was nearly decimated, prompting figures like Roosevelt to develop conservation philosophies. General Sheridan, initially an adversary to the buffalo, led an expedition to Yellowstone, where he found rampant poaching. Despite military protection, buffalo numbers dwindled to 23, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

What was the state of America's wildlife by the end of the 19th century?

• Increasing in numbers

• Protected and flourishing

• Nearly empty of wildlife

• Thriving and abundant

Who led an expedition to Yellowstone in 1882?

• Theodore Roosevelt

• General Sheridan

• John Muir

• Henry David Thoreau

What did General Sheridan find upon reaching Yellowstone?

• Buffalo were thriving

• The area was deserted

• Poachers were still active

• The Army was already protecting the wildlife

What was the status of buffalo and elk populations towards the end of the 19th century?

• They were increasing

• They were extinct

• They were stable

• They were reduced to a fraction of their former numbers

What cultural activity was still present in Yellowstone towards the end of the 19th century?

• Buffalo stampedes

• Elk bugling during rut

• Wolf howling

• Bear hunting

What was Sheridan's initial enemy before he turned to protect the buffalo?

• The settlers

• The Army

• The poachers

• The Indians

In what year did Sheridan send the Army to protect the buffalo in Yellowstone?

• 1890

• 1886

• 1884

• 1882

What was the role of the Army in Yellowstone in 1886?

• To relocate the buffalo

• To build infrastructure

• To protect the buffalo

• To hunt buffalo

How many buffalo were left in Yellowstone despite military protection?

• 200

• 50

• 23

• 100

What was the risk faced by the remaining buffalo in Yellowstone?

• Poaching

• Disease

• A bad winter could wipe them out

• Overpopulation