BISON

Catalina Island is home to one of its most iconic sights: American bison roaming the island’s rugged interior and open hillsides. This collection features original Catalina Island bison photography, from solitary portraits and quiet grazing to encounters with the herd across Catalina’s rugged interior. Selected photographs are available as professionally produced fine art prints. Explore more Catalina Island wildlife photography in the Birds, Deer, Fox, and Squirrels collections.

American bison walking through golden grass on Catalina Island with two other bison in the background.

Herd of American bison grazing among prickly pear cactus in the interior of Catalina Island.

American bison grazing in backlit grass on Catalina Island.

Two American bison standing together in dry grass on Catalina Island.

American bison walking through tall dry grass beneath a clear blue sky on Catalina Island.

American bison resting in green grass in front of Rancho Escondido on Catalina Island.

A Catalina Island bison standing in dry grass on a hillside, looking directly at the camera with rugged terrain in the background.

Catalina Island Bison: Introduction, History & Ecological Impact

American bison arrived on Santa Catalina Island in 1924, reportedly in connection with a film production. However, historians still debate parts of that origin story. The animals remained on the island and eventually formed a free-ranging herd. Over time, the herd became one of Catalina’s most recognizable wildlife populations.

As the herd grew, bison became closely associated with Catalina’s rugged interior. They graze across open grasslands, ridgelines, and valleys throughout the island. Although bison are not native to the Channel Islands, they became an enduring part of Catalina’s modern identity.

Bison also affect the island’s ecosystem through grazing, trampling, and movement across the landscape. Catalina’s native habitats evolved without large grazing mammals of this kind. As a result, managers must consider herd size and its effects on native vegetation. Today, management efforts seek to balance Catalina’s cultural history with the protection of native plants and habitats.

For the full story of Catalina’s bison, from their Hollywood arrival in 1924 to the herd’s uncertain future, read our Catalina Island Bison history and conservation story.