A rare white bison calf was born at Wagon Springs Ranch in Texas, leaving its owner, Carl Chambers, in awe. Chambers described the moment he saw the calf, saying, “I couldn’t believe it. I was amazed. It’s the whitest calf I’ve ever seen.”
The calf, named Unatsi (meaning “snow” in Cherokee), is a huge addition to the ranch, as white bison are extremely rare. The birth of Unatsi is remarkable not only because of its rarity but also due to its cultural importance in Native American prophecies.
Unique White Bison (Credits: CBC)
According to legend, the White Buffalo Woman taught the Lakota people how to sustain themselves and endure, leaving behind seven sacred rites. The white bison represents peace, harmony, and good fortune, making Unatsi a cherished addition to the ranch.
Chambers expressed his commitment to protecting Unatsi and honoring its cultural importance, saying, “It’s very important to Native people. And so we’re going to make sure that we do what we can to protect her, and hopefully, she can live the rest of her life here.”
White Bison (Credits: NBC Montana)
The arrival of Unatsi comes at a time when American bison are experiencing a steady resurgence in population after facing near extinction in the 19th century.
According to the National Bison Association, there are approximately 192,000 bison living in private herds and on ranches in the United States. While the exact number of white bison is unknown, Unatsi’s birth is a welcome addition to the growing population.
