Baby news: Fermilab welcomes two bison calves

Calving season commenced Friday at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory with the birth of two baby bison, the first of 20 births expected during the season which concludes in June.

Fermilab’s herd consists of 24 female bison — called cows — and two bulls. Last year, the cows gave birth to 20 calves. In 2022, there were 21 births.

Besides contributing to the conversation on American bison, Fermilab’s herd is a popular attraction for visitors.

“They’re big animals, and visitors bring their kids, who enjoy watching them,” said Cleo Garcia, of Fermilab’s grounds maintenance team, in a prepared statement.

Robert R. Wilson, the lab’s first director, introduced bison — which represented the nation’s frontier era — to Fermilab, a facility on the frontier of particle physics research.

Bulls typically weigh more than a ton, while cows average between 900 and a little more than 1,000 pounds. Newborn calves weigh between 40 and 70 pounds but grow quickly. Cinnamon-colored at birth, bison calves’ fur deepens to a dark brown within several months.

Fermilab genetically tests the bulls, which are refreshed every five to seven years, to ensure they are purebred American Bison.

Sturdy animals, bison live outside year-round. However their Fermilab keepers provide them with structures within the corrals to block the wind.

Garcia feeds the bison and checks on their well-being daily, particularly during calving season. He also monitors the young calves.

“Calving season is the most rewarding time of the year,” he said. “You see new life coming to the land.”

Located at Kirk Road and Pine Street in Batavia, Fermilab is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors must have a Real ID to view the bison. See fnal.gov for information.