American Bison

Bison bison

The American bison was once the symbol of the Great Plains. Vast herds roamed from Canada to Mexico providing food, clothing, and tools to the native people. From a population that numbered in the millions, American bison dwindled to near extinction, driven there by American settlers.

Though sometimes called the American buffalo, the American bison is not related to the water buffalo or the African buffalo. These are the only true buffaloes in the world. The American bison is more closely related to cows and goats.

American bison have large bodies and dark brown coats. They stand up to 1.9 m (6.5 ft.) at the shoulder and can be up to 3.8 m (12.5 ft.) long. Bison can weigh between 410-818 kg (900-1800 lb.). Like many animals, the male is larger than the female.

The bison has a large head with small curving horns and a scraggly beard. Both male and female bison have horns and beards. The bison's hair is brown to dark brown and is longer in the front of the body and the legs than in the back areas.

During the mating season (June to September), the males will use their large heads to butt each other in attempts to gain the attention of females. Males become sexually mature at 3 years old, but do not mate until they are old enough to hold their own when fighting. Female bison become sexually mature and begin mating between 2-3 years of age. In April or May of the following year, the female bison will give birth to a single calf.

The newborn calves have a reddish, light brown coat and lack the distinctive hump of the adult bison. They begin turning brown and developing the hump after a few months.

Calves are nursed for up to 8 months and are fully independent by 1 year of age. Male bison do not participate in the upbringing of the calves, who live for 10-15 years.

Bison are herbivores. They feed on the grasses of the prairie land all year round. They will generally rest during the day and feed in the mornings and evenings. Bison also need to find water every day.

Although bison have few natural predators because of their size, wolves, mountain lions and bears do attack the very young or very old bison. In some areas, people legally hunt bison or raise them for their meat and hides. There are, however, some protected herds that reside in national parks and reserves.

Conservation Status

Although an ongoing conservation program has resulted in modest increases in their population, the American bison is currently classified as near threatened by IUCN's Red List.

What You Can Do to Help

You can help in their preservation by adopting a bison via the Defenders of Wildlife or donating toward the purchase of prairie land for reserves at the American Prairie Foundation.