There is a place in Florida where wild American Bison and horses roam free. This place is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a 23,000 acre seasonally flooded prairie just outside Gainesville. Here, I have had numerous encounters with wild horses, but until recently the Bison offered only glimpses at great distance. But that changed this winter. Water levels on the prairie have been at historic lows, which has opened up new grazing areas that were formerly flooded. The Bison herd has moved to take advantage, bringing them in close proximity to a viewing boardwalk.
American Bison at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in the winter of 2025-2026.
Brief background
American Bison were once widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska to Northern Mexico and from the American West all the way to the East Coast, and even including parts of Florida. Currently there are around 31,000 wild bison found primarily in National Parks and Reserves in the western United States and Canada. In 1975, a herd of ten was introduced to Paynes Prairie from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The herd currently numbers 30-50.
Bison infographic including historic and current geographic range. Credit: Hiram Henriquez.
The wild Florida Cracker Horses found on the prairie are descendants of those brought by the Spanish beginning with Ponce de Leon in 1521. These horses became feral and over hundreds of years adapted to the Florida climate. Some were later re-domesticated and used by 19th century Florida cowmen to drive cattle.
Wild Florida Cracker Horses on Paynes Prairie in January 2025.
Photoset: Wild horses on the springtime prairie
One spring evening (April 1st, 2025) at La Chua trail, on the prairie’s edge, a herd of wild horses emerged from thick vegetation and began grazing by the water. A few alligators were present in the water nearby, but likely pose little threat to such large animals. One of the horses appeared to have a wound on its stomach.
Photoset: American Bison on the winter prairie
Early on a cold winter morning (January 19th, 2026) a thin layer of frost coats the ground. At the EcoPassage Boardwalk, in the heart of the prairie, a herd of Bison rises and begins the day.
Reason and Nature 