Lesser-known facts about the father of modern science
Bison are nearsighted, but they make up for their poor eyesight with their extraordinary senses of smell and hearing.
Popular locations for observing bison include Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Custer State Park in South Dakota, and Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
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
Some 400,000 years ago, Asia and North America were connected, so the American bison’s ancestors crossed over stateside.
One prehistoric species known as Bison latifrons was among them. These huge beasts had horns measuring 9 feet (2.7 m) between them.
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.
Baby bison are also known as “red dogs.” This is because bison calves look orange-red in color when they are born.
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.
However, if you notice their tail standing straight up, then you might be in trouble, as it may be about to charge.
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.
Despite the massive loss over the years, the number of bison in North America has rebounded.
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.
Both names are used interchangeably, but 'Bison bison' is the scientific name of the North American animal (just saying it once will suffice, though).
Teddy Roosevelt, together with zoologist William Temple Hornaday, paved the way to bison conservation when he founded the American Bison Society in 1905.
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.
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.
Conservation efforts have been made across 12 states. It’s estimated that around 500,000 bison live on preserves and ranches.
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.
The American bison is a herbivorous mammal that feeds on plains grasses, herbs, shrubs, and twigs.
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!
The gestation period for cows is similar to that of humans. Females give birth to one calf after a nine-month pregnancy.
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).
The average lifespan for bison in the wild is typically between 12 and 20 years.
Bison spend most of their days (about 9 to 11 hours) foraging. They regurgitate their food and chew it as cud.
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.
Bison have been living in Yellowstone National Park ever since prehistoric times. Currently over 5,000 bison roam the park freely.
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.
Not only is the bison the largest mammal in North America, it is also the national mammal of the United States.
Not only is the bison one of the most iconic animals in North America, but it's actually the United States' national mammal. These majestic beasts are as American as apple pie and have been inhabiting its lands for centuries.
In this gallery we are giving the fantastic animal its flowers. Click on to learn some fascinating facts about the American bison.
Brilliant facts about the American bison
Click on to learn some fascinating facts
LIFESTYLE Nature
Not only is the bison one of the most iconic animals in North America, but it's actually the United States' national mammal. These majestic beasts are as American as apple pie and have been inhabiting its lands for centuries.
In this gallery we are giving the fantastic animal its flowers. Click on to learn some fascinating facts about the American bison.