Denver is auctioning 25 yearling bison on Friday, some of them the newest members of a city-owned herd that’s lived in Genesee Park along Interstate 70 for more than a century.
The auction of 17 bull and eight heifer calves culls the city’s herd to about 60 animals, an annual process that nets about $30,000 to help offset costs for veterinary services and hay over the winter.
Last year’s auction sold 30 yearlings, which officials say is their annual target.
“I’m always amazed that we have ranchers come from as far as Montana,” said Dick Gannon, director of Denver’s Mountain Parks. “They’ll travel hundreds of miles. It’s because we have really good stock.”
Part of the city’s herd lives in Daniels Park near Castle Pines.
The auction begins at noon Friday at the Genesee Bison Ranch near Chief Hosa campground. The bison for sale can be viewed at 10:30 a.m.
