Unique footage: How the people of Bukovina care for the endangered bison during the cold season (video).

In the Banilov Forestry, which spans 80 hectares, there are currently 16 bison. The animals have been bred for eight years to boost the population of the largest mammals in Europe, as noted by the state enterprise "Forests of Ukraine".

The foresters managed to capture unique footage at the feeding site, as it is nearly impossible to approach these animals in the summer. Bison display open behavior only during the cold season when they are fed at artificial feeding locations.

In winter, the forestry workers feed the bison by daily filling troughs with oats and ground corn. The grain is mixed with feeding chalk to ensure the animals receive an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Every 2-3 weeks, the feeders are also filled with hay that is harvested during the summer. Occasionally, feeding brooms are also provided for the animals.

The first to approach the feeder is always a female named Muza, as she previously lived in the Nikolaev Zoo and is accustomed to humans. Following her, the rest of the herd slowly approaches.

It has been noted that in the enclosure of the Banilov Forestry, the foresters have created all the necessary conditions for the proper development of these red-listed animals and have studied their behavior. Each year, one calf is born in the herd, but they expect at least two bison calves in the next season.

Three bison that were born in the enclosure are planned to be released into the wild. Currently, preparations for the necessary documentation and permits are underway.

It is worth mentioning that due to the ongoing hunting ban in Ukraine resulting from the military situation, wolves have gained a substantial food base in the form of hares and roe deer. Predators are no longer afraid of humans as they once were and have begun to openly enter the villages of the Khmelnytskyi region.