Most of missing bison herd found near North Bay
After 19 days on the run, six of eight Bison that went missing last month along Highway 64 near Crystal Falls, between Field and Sturgeon Falls, have been found.
The bison went missing Dec. 16 when high winds knocked over a tree, breaking a fence. One of the bison was struck and killed by a vehicle shortly after they escaped.
Mesut Ates -- who owns the animals -- and the team of volunteers were able to bring six of the remaining seven home Wednesday afternoon.
Ates said one more still missing, but said he knows where it is. Weather permitting, he will get it Thursday.
“It’s been a long time," he said. "I’m exhausted and I’m hoping to get back to normal soon.”
Ates thanked everyone who helped him search for the missing animals, including those who searched on ATVs and horseback.
“We found them actually 15-20 kilometres away from the farm," he said. "They were in the bush in the night time and then they came out to graze in the field.”
Using a portable system, Mesut and the wranglers lured the bison with grain and hay and managed to load them into a trailer to transport them home.
“We have cows down the road, so we had one gate which shut when you pull a wire," said volunteer Sam Verlint. "As soon as they were in there, they were captured.”
Another volunteer, Dale Eastep, said he was happy to be part of the effort.
“I like helping people," Eastep said. "It’s good to help people in need.”
And Chris Maisonneuve said he has never seen such a collective effort over such a long period.
"People just wanted to help," Maisonneuve said. "The comradery and people just wanted to be here to help and that’s what it’s been for 19 days.”
For his part, Ates said he was deeply grateful for the help.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me from the beginning… right now I’m relieved. I got most of them so I’m happy.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.