Aleutian wild cattle
Aleutian wild cattle are feral wild cattle found on the Alaskan Aleutian Islands. Several attempts have been made to round up these cattle for ranching. From 1985 to 1986, the cattle on the Shumagin Islands were eliminated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but they still remain on Umnak Island and Chirikof Island. As of 2023, there were approximately 2,000 cattle on Chirikof Island. Their origins are not known; genetic testing shows them to be genetically distinct from common American commercial breeds, though related to Highland cattle.
| Life Span | 18-22 years |
| Weight | 450-900 kg |
What to Know Before Buying an Aleutian wild cattle
Finding a responsible Aleutian wild cattle breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells cattles commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Aleutian wild cattle. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Aleutian wild cattles appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for an Aleutian wild cattle breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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