Iowa Tribe is home to a special herd

Iowa Tribe is home to a special herd

Ashley Stockamp
Stillwater NewsPress

A typical pasture south of Perkins houses a not so typical type of livestock.

The Iowa Tribe is home to one of Oklahoma’s unique buffalo herds and pastures 62 buffalo. Officially known as the American bison, buffalo have always been important to American Indians because they represent their spirit and the life they lived.

Traditionally, every part of the bison served a purpose, and agriculture specialist Ken Knight said they try to hold that tradition at Iowa Tribe. The dung is even used as diaper powder and fuel.

The meat is used as a healthier alternative to other red meats, which is important to the elders of the tribe.

“The Indian population suffers from diabetes,” Knight said. “The buffalo meat is healthier for the elders.”

The meat is not the only unique feature to the bison, they are also very agile. Knight said the fences are all eight feet because they have to be, but if a bison really wanted out they could jump the fence.

He said they are more temperamental than cattle and can run between 30 and 40 miles per hour. He said regardless of their size, they are sure footed and agile creatures.

“They are not the type of animal you get out of your car to take a picture of,” Knight said. “You are better off taking pictures from inside.”

The bison herd is just one of the many unique features for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. A few other attractions include the Gray Show Eagle House, the surface water program and the horse program. More at http://www.iowanation.org/.