Going out west to see buffaloes is no longer the only way to see the great beasts.

 

A local Unicoi man has decided to raise five young female calves on his farm. Mayor Johnny Lynch plans on breeding these young females once they are mature, selling the meat--which is healthier than chicken breast--to local restaurants. Lynch welcomes tourists and locals alike to his farm beca become educated about his animals.

 

Searching through  East Tennessee’s history and heritage, it is easy to see that the buffalo was an important animal to the Native Americans. Buffaloes were used a food source and every aspect of the animal were used in some way to provide something to help Natives survive. Still today, its value is held by the Milligan College community.  

 

People may also visit with buffaloes at Briarwood Safari Ranch. Located in Cocke County, Tenn., the ranch serves as a place for people to  study, photograph and feed animals right from the car. Briarwood is special because it is home to a rare white buffalo which only surfaces once in 10 million births. The ranch is open seven days a week (Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).