BUFFALO 0N P.E.I.?

Prince Edward Islandfs Provincial Parks offer a varied assortment of facilities and programs but perhaps our most unique attraction is found in Milltown Cross. It is here that Buffaloland Provincial Park is located. '

P.E.I., although noted for its diversity of wildlife, can not lay claim to being a natural home for these shaggy beasts. If it were not for the donation by the federal government in 1970 of this herd, there would probably never have been ,buffalo on P.E.I.

The park currently has approximately 25 animals. They mostly stay in the shade of the wooded areas during the summer months but in autumn, they come out into the fields. The best time to see the buffalo, and white-tail deer which are also found in the park, is at feeding time. It truly is an astonishing site watching these majestic animals lumbering out of the fields and up to the feeding troughs.

The 14 original members of this bison herd (eight females and six males) arrived in P.E.I. from Elk Island National Park (Alberta) on June 1, 1970. After travelling across Canada in rail cars, the buffalo were understandably very glad to move into their new loo-acre quarters.

The largest of all North American land animals, the buffalo is characterized by a massive head, a high lump on its shoulders and long, shaggy hair on its shoulders and front legs. They range in height from five to six feet tall and can weigh up to 3,000 pounds.

Although normally slow movers, when they see the need for action, they can move in a flash. Quick on their feet, they have great endurance and can be quite ferocious when angered.

Buffaloland Provincial Park has quickly developed into one of our system‘s most popular picnic parks. It is a quiet, peaceful area, and with Moore's Bird Sanctuary directly across the road, a naturalist‘s delight. Bring your camera along, the photo opportunities are plentiful.

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