More than 31 surviving bison are receiving treatment for dehydration following the incident involving the tribal herd.
QUAPAW, Okla. — A 27-year-old man is facing 63 felony charges in connection with an incident that left 32 bison belonging to the Quapaw Nation dead and dozens of surviving animals in need of medical treatment.
The case involves a tribal bison herd in northeastern Oklahoma, where more than 31 surviving animals are receiving treatment for dehydration, according to a report by Oklahoma City television station KFOR.
The large number of felony charges underscores the scope of the criminal case, although the specific offenses and circumstances leading to the animals’ deaths were not detailed in the initial report.
Authorities have not publicly established in the available reporting how long the bison went without adequate water or what events preceded the deaths.
The case also raises questions about the care and oversight of animals kept in tribal herds. Bison require dependable access to water, particularly when environmental conditions increase the risk of dehydration.
While criminal proceedings are expected to address the allegations, the surviving animals remain a central concern. Their treatment follows the loss of 32 members of the herd.
The defendant’s name, the court handling the case and the status of his legal representation were not confirmed in the available report.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.