White Bison Calf Born at Neal Smith | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

A truly remarkable event unfolded at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa with the arrival of a rare white bison calf on April 30, 2026. This unique birth is a one-in-a-million occurrence, as such coloring is seldom seen among wild bison. During calving season, refuge staff conduct weekly routine checks, and they first observed the white bison right after its birth.

White bison calf photos

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White bison calf in field of grass — In April 2026, a rare white bison was born at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of Linda Frazier.

White bison calf and cow standing in a grassy field — For many Native American tribes, the white bison is revered as a sacred symbol of hope and renewal. This white bison was born at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge on April 30, 2026. Photo courtesy of Linda Frazier.

A white bison calf and a cinnamon-colored bison calf with adult bison in field of grass — Bison grazing at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of Linda Frazier.

A white bison calf with two adult bison in field of grass — White bison is an unique birth is a one-in-a-million occurrence, as such coloring is seldom seen among wild bison. Photo courtesy of Linda Frazier.

White bison calf in field of grass — Neal Smith bison herd had a rare white bison calf on April 30, 2026. Photo courtesy of Linda Frazier.

Other bison photos

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An American bison in the snow with snow on its face

Sparky, a bison who survived a lightning strike, standing in the prairie at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa

Sparky, a bison who survived a lightning strike, standing in the prairie at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa

Bison videos (b-roll)

Download bison B-roll stock footage

Download bison B-roll stock footage