Deaths of several bison under investigation by Quapaw Nation

The Quapaw Nation is investigating the deaths of several bison from a herd the tribe has spent more than 15 years rebuilding.

In a statement Friday, the Nation said it is “deeply saddened” by the loss and is working to determine what happened.

The bison are part of a larger Quapaw agricultural program that began in 2010 with the purchase of just eight animals.

The Nation later established a breeding program to expand the herd, with tribal leaders saying one goal was to reintroduce bison into the diets of tribal members.

Quapaw officials have not said how many bison died in the latest incident or what may have caused their deaths.

The Nation said the health, safety and responsible stewardship of the herd are taken seriously.

Officials said they will not speculate while the investigation remains active.