Article Summary –
A rare white buffalo calf has been born in Yellowstone National Park, a phenomenon considered a blessing and a warning by the Lakota American Indian tribe. The birth of the white buffalo, considered sacred by several tribes and fulfilling a Lakota prophecy, comes after a harsh winter in 2023 led to the death or removal of more than 1,500 bison. The sighting of the calf, confirmed by photographs taken by park visitor Erin Braaten, is seen by the tribe as a signal to do more to protect the earth and its animals.
Lakota Tribe Sees Rare White Buffalo Birth in Yellowstone as Prophetic
The recent birth of a rare white buffalo in Yellowstone National Park is seen as fulfilling a Lakota prophecy, heralding improved times ahead. However, it also serves as a reminder that there is a need for more significant efforts in protecting the environment and animal life, according to Lakota tribal members.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and the Nakota Oyate in South Dakota, described the birth as both a “blessing and warning” that more needed to be done to protect the earth. The birth of this sacred calf came after a harsh winter in 2023, which led to the death or removal of over 1,500 Yellowstone buffalo, also known as bison.
Erin Braaten was visiting the park when she saw the white calf among a herd of bison. She managed to photograph the calf shortly after it was born on June 4 in the Lamar Valley, a northeastern section of the park. According to Looking Horse, for the Lakota, the birth of a white buffalo calf with black nose, eyes, and hooves is incredibly significant, similar to the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Lakota legend tells of a time around 2,000 years ago when food was running out and bison were disappearing. The White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared, taught the tribe how to pray, and turned into a white buffalo calf as she left.
Experts believe that the calf in Braaten’s photos is a true white buffalo, as it possesses a black nose, black hooves, and dark eyes. A naming ceremony has been held for the calf, and a celebration ceremony is planned for June 26 at the Buffalo Field Campaign headquarters in West Yellowstone.
White buffalos are revered across many tribes, each with their own unique stories on the sacred importance of the creature. This is reportedly the first known birth of a white buffalo in Yellowstone. Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association, was unable to quantify how rare the calf’s birth was.
Many bison currently reside on public lands or are overseen by conservation groups. Roughly 80 tribes across the U.S. have over 20,000 bison, a figure that has been growing in recent years. Despite opposition from Montana ranchers, Yellowstone officials recently proposed a population of up to 6,000 bison in the park.
The birth of the white buffalo serves as a timely reminder of the need for respectful cohabitation with nature, according to Heinert. He expressed hope that the calf would lead a safe and fulfilling life in Yellowstone National Park.
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