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Antelope Island’s annual bison roundup ensures the health of the herd

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Riders prepare their horses at first light for the 33rd annual Bison Roundup, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, on Antelope Island, a state park located near Syracuse in Davis County. Every year Utah wildlife and parks officials move the animals from across the island so they can be weighed, tagged and given health screenings.

Cowboys hired by Utah State Parks on Saturday gathered the 700 bison that roam freely on Antelope Island in an annual event observed by hundreds of people.

The drive began at the Fielding Garr Ranch, where the bison were pushed across the island to corrals near White Rock Bay.

Later this week, the animals will receive a health screening and treatment as necessary. Most will be returned to roam the 16-mile-long island, while many will be auctioned to reduce the herd size to 550.