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Not only is the bison the largest mammal in North America, it is also the national mammal of the United States.

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The difference between bison and buffalo -

Both names are used interchangeably, but 'Bison bison' is the scientific name of the North American animal (just saying it once will suffice, though). 

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They're massive -

These majestic beasts are large and heavy. Male bison (called bulls) can weigh up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) and stand six feet (1.82 m) tall.

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They're massive -

Females (called cows), are slightly smaller, and can weigh up to 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and reach a height of around 4-5 feet (1.21-1.52 m).

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They're fast -

Bison may be large creatures, but they're pretty fast for their weight, running at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64.3 km/h). They can also jump and swim!

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Diet -

The American bison is a herbivorous mammal that feeds on plains grasses, herbs, shrubs, and twigs.

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Diet -

Bison spend most of their days (about 9 to 11 hours) foraging. They regurgitate their food and chew it as cud.

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Gestation -

The gestation period for cows is similar to that of humans. Females give birth to one calf after a nine-month pregnancy.

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Red dogs -

Baby bison are also known as “red dogs.” This is because bison calves look orange-red in color when they are born.

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Wallowing -

Bison like to roll around in mud, water, or grass, to cool down and keep insects away. Male bison also wallow for another reason: to leave behind their scent during mating season.

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A bison’s tail can give out a lot of information -

The tail can give out a lot of information about the bison’s mood. You don’t have to worry if the tail hangs down and moves around naturally. This is usually a sign that the animal is calm.

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A bison’s tail can give out a lot of information -

However, if you notice their tail standing straight up, then you might be in trouble, as it may be about to charge.

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Bison can be dangerous -

Regardless of tail movement, it’s worth remembering that bison are big, strong, wild animals and can thus be dangerously unpredictable, so it's best to keep a safe distance.

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Bison have poor eyesight -

Bison are nearsighted, but they make up for their poor eyesight with their extraordinary senses of smell and hearing.

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The species’ ancestors can be traced to southern Asia -

Some 400,000 years ago, Asia and North America were connected, so the American bison’s ancestors crossed over stateside.

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The species’ ancestors can be traced to southern Asia -

One prehistoric species known as Bison latifrons was among them. These huge beasts had horns measuring 9 feet (2.7 m) between them.

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Location -

While mostly found in the Great Plains, bison used to roam across most of North America. Their number decreased substantially in the 19th century, but have now rebounded.

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Lifespan -

The average lifespan for bison in the wild is typically between 12 and 20 years.

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Cultural importance in Plains Indian societies -

Bison have been extremely important in the lives of Native American peoples inhabiting the Great Plains. They have been a source of food, clothing, fuel, tools, and shelter, and they've also long been spiritually-respected animals.

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The InterTribal Buffalo Council -

The InterTribal Buffalo Council (a collection of 80 tribes in 20 different states) works on the management of over 20,000 buffalo (as they call it, instead of bison). Their mission is to restore buffalo to Indian Country lands.

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Bison were heavily hunted in the 19th century -

It is estimated that some 50 million bison were killed by settlers in the 19th century. The animals were killed for food, sport, and to affect the native peoples’ resources.

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Numbers have rebound -

Despite the massive loss over the years, the number of bison in North America has rebounded.

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Numbers have rebound -

Conservation efforts have been made across 12 states. It’s estimated that around 500,000 bison live on preserves and ranches.

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Theodore Roosevelt helped save bison from extinction -

Teddy Roosevelt, together with zoologist William Temple Hornaday, paved the way to bison conservation when he founded the American Bison Society in 1905.

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Wind Cave National Park’s herd boosted bison populations across America -

In 1913, the American Bison Society donated 14 bison to Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. The bison from Wind Cave played a key role in helping reestablish other herds across the country.

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Yellowstone National Park is a special place for bison -

Bison have been living in Yellowstone National Park ever since prehistoric times. Currently over 5,000 bison roam the park freely.

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Where to see bison roaming -

Popular locations for observing bison include Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Custer State Park in South Dakota, and Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

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Where to see bison roaming -

Catalina Island in California, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota are also hotspots for observing the majestic mammal.

Sources: (National Geographic) (U.S. Department of the Interior) 

See also: America’s unique wildlife

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