The bison population is growing on a northern Illinois prairie.
The Chicago Tribune reports that, after bison were reintroduced to the Nachusa Grasslands, there are obvious signs that the bison are introducing themselves to each other. Fourteen bison calves were born this past spring at the 3,500 acre grasslands owned by The Nature Conservancy.
The conservancy's website says bison were returned to the area last October. The Tribune says the latest births bring the number of bison in the area to 44.
The animals are apparently helping to bring other wildlife to the region. Restoration ecologist Cody Considine says researchers are seeing more rodents building nests in bison hair and he's noticed swallows hovering over the bison herd.
