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
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.