The first baby bison of the season has arrived at Fermilab.
After a calf was born on April 20, it was grazing around the 80-acre pasture within days.
The particle physics laboratory is better known for research than ranching, but Fermilab’s bison are an attraction for visitors every summer. And they serve as an important symbol for the site.
“Bison initially were brought by Dr. Robert Wilson, the first director of the lab,” said Fermilab Roads and Grounds Manager Michael Pfaff. “They are here as part of an analogy with the frontier. The frontier of the wild west and Fermilab being on the frontier of physics.”
The herd is expecting several more calves to be born over the next several weeks.
Visitors are welcome to observe the bison and take pictures free of charge between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
But the baby bison grow quickly, so you better hurry if you want to see the adorable newborns.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
