‘Bison Uber’ uses helicopter to return herd to Oklahoma refuge

A group of wandering bison recently found themselves at the center of a wild and airborne rescue mission after they unexpectedly strolled onto U.S. Army Garrison Fort Sill without any clearance.

The unusual roundup, which officials dubbed a “bison Uber,” involved helicopters, a multi-agency team and a lot of hoofed determination to get the herd back home.

The surprise visitors

Fort Sill officials said a small herd of bison showed up unannounced, joking that the shaggy “tourists” didn’t even stop at the Visitor Welcome Center.

The bison had wandered from their home at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, roughly 20 miles away.

The call for backup

When Fort Sill’s Natural Resources team realized the bison were off course, they called in reinforcements. That included experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a helicopter crew from USDA Wildlife Services.

Together, the group launched a quick-response effort to guide the animals back from the air.

The ‘Bison Uber’ flight plan

The roundup involved helicopters guiding the herd safely across terrain and highways, back to their natural grazing grounds. Officials said the goal was to move the animals efficiently without stressing them out or putting anyone in harm’s way.

“No bison were harmed in the making of this adventure,” Fort Sill wrote in a Facebook post.

Back where they belong

The operation ended successfully with all of the bison returned to the refuge, where they’ve since resumed their normal routine — peacefully grazing the plains.

A lighthearted reminder

Fort Sill’s post ended on a playful note: “Even bison need to stop at the Visitor Welcome Center next time they drop by.”