Sparky the bison at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Karen Viste-Sparkman/USFWS

March 30, 2018 - We have some sad news from Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa. Sparky, the bison that survived a lightning strike in 2013, died this week. Sparky was born at the National Bison Range in Montana and moved to Neal Smith when he was 2 years old. He spent 12 years roaming the Iowa prairie.

Sparky received international attention after surviving a lightning strike in July 2013. Although he was badly scarred for the rest of his life, he remained part of the social structure of the herd and became a symbol for the strength and endurance of his species. Wild bison typically have a lifespan of 15 years, so at 14, Sparky had a full life despite the lightning strike.

Sparky fathered three calves prior to the strike. He will be missed by his many fans. We invite you to join others and share your thoughts and memories of Sparky on Neal Smith’s Facebook page.

A portrait of Sparky in May 2016. Photo by Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
Source: USFWS