Bison

FLANDREAU, S.D. -- It seems an unlikely concept: teenagers forgoing the immediacy of a McDonald's Big Mac to learn how to cook their own lower-fat version.

FARMINGTON -- It has been 10 years since the fiberglass bison planted on the northwest corner of the Davis County Memorial Courthouse grounds has received a new fashion other than the star-spangled colors it wears.

Time, wind and weather have taken a toll on the bison that was part of the county's 2002 Olympic celebration.

BILLINGS, Mont. -- A group of wild bison was returned to Yellowstone National Park on Friday in a setback to a fledgling program that allowed the animals into parts of Montana where bison had long been prohibited.

The roundup of the 13 animals came after they repeatedly left a 2,500-acre grazing area in the Gallatin National Forest, crossing the Yellowstone River and entering private property.

After their capture, the animals were trucked just outside Yellowstone's northern border and released.

MINNEAPOLIS  -- The deep snow blanketing the Midwest prairie didn't bother the bison on Ed Eichten's ranch one bit. The hardy animals evolved to survive -- even thrive -- year-round on the open range, and with their big heads, they can plow right through drifts 5-feet tall or more.

The majestic beasts are a hot commodity these days, as consumer demand for healthy meat has sent prices soaring. But although bison are what one rancher calls "a self-care animal," most farmers are struggling to increase their herds and keep up with demand.

OGDEN -- Men walk over mounds of sawdust holding large wooden crooks. They maneuver around massive grunting bison, corralled in steel pens lined with grass-hay.

SYRACUSE -- Round the first corner on Antelope Island and immediately, the startling vision of a free-standing bison greets some visitors.