In the late 1800's there was little farm land, a few trails, scattered dwellings, trading posts, missions and not much else. Had you arrived during this time you would found yourself in unlimited miles of forest, 'hay meadows' and muskeg. The attitude that accompanied this vast landscape was that there was a never ending supply of timber and wildlife. This attitude, and greed, played apart in the depletion of the native species.
Even the scientists bought into the limitless supply theory as is shown in The Edmonton Capital of July 29, 1910. The article spoke of Harry Radford who had arrived in Edmonton after 14 months in the north studying the habits and habitat of wood bison. During this time he saw 30 and was able to “secure” one which was found to be the largest in the world.
Bison skulls have been found in the area around Lesser Slave Lake where they once lived. They can now only be found in the area on farms such as this one but we can count it as a blessing that they can be found.