Why did buffalo herds decline in the 1830s and 1840s?

a.

increased numbers of Native American buffalo hunters

b.

increased demand on buffalo meat in eastern restaurants

c.

increased demand on water resources on the plains

d.

increased market for buffalo robes

The correct answer is D. Buffalo herds declined in the 1830s and 1840s because of the increased market for buffalo robes.

Explanation:

Large-scale hunting drove previously numerous buffalos to the brink of extinction in the 19th century. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Indians had hunted for buffalo on foot, using bows, arrows and spears. They drove their chosen individuals, or the whole herd, over the edge of a rock or into a dead-end canyon. The Indians used every part of the buffalo; the best parts were eaten fresh and the rest of the meat was preserved. They used pulses to make tents, shields, bags, clothes and drums. Of the tendons, the Indians weaved the tendons of the bow guns. The horses brought in by Europeans facilitated the hunting of the buffalo, and the equinoxes adapted to the wandering life that followed the movements of the buffalo herds. The Indians killed the buffalo so moderately that their populations did not suffer.

Europeans brought firearms to North America in the 18th century. As the buffalo skin was a valuable commodity and because the buffalo were competing with cattle for grazing, obstructing train traffic and providing food for the Indians who fought against the settlers, Europeans were trying to get rid of buffalo completely. The droughts of the mid-19th century also contributed to the collapse of buffalo stocks. By the end of the century, the buffalo had almost disappeared.