Federal officials have approved the proposal that will reintroduce wild bison into Banff National Park. Passengers on Canadian trail trips through Banff, Alberta, will be able to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

In 1997, bison were removed from the park because paddocks interfered with the migration patterns of other Canadian wildlife. After extensively researching how to restore bison to the area, scientific experts have introduced multiple ways to control the herd, including how to prevent overpopulation.

The largest land mammals in North America, bison tend to stay close to where they were born, and fences will be used initially to help the herd become familiar to its new home. When bison were first released into the Yukon territory, keeping these massive animals off major highways was the first challenge met by biologists. Because they are somewhat protected from Canadian hunting laws, bison numbers have flourished from 500 to 1,200 in the past 20 years.

Visitors to Banff on Canadian train vacations can already see elk, moose, mountain goats and cougars. By adding bison to the list of wildlife, park officials hope to see more people experiencing Canada's rugged landscape.