The magnificent American bison is a national symbol of the United States and a symbol of strength and resilience. In 2016, this incredible animal was officially declared the national mammal of the U.S., a deserving honor to its past glory and to its stunning return from the brink of extinction. They once occupied the North American plains in staggering abundance. These massive and shaggy creatures are frequently confused as "buffalo".
To learn about the bison is to understand a vital part of the environmental and cultural legacy of America. The bison is an important resource for Native Americans and has an impact on ecosystems. They tell a story of incredible survival, tenacity, and ongoing conservation efforts. Here are ten amazing facts about national mammal of America:
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1. Bison Are the Largest Land Mammals in North America
The first thing that most likely comes to mind when you think of a bison is its enormous size. The largest terrestrial mammal on the continent of North America is, in fact, the American bison.
Mature male bovines (bulls) can weigh over 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Females (cows) are smaller, typically 800-1,200 pounds (360-540 kg). Despite their size, they are strong enough to leap barriers and charge at up to 35 mph (56 km/h).
2. Bison and Buffalo are not the same, just related.
This is a common misconception! While "buffalo" is often used interchangeably with "bison" in the U.S., they are not the same animal. Bison and buffalo are part of the Bovidae family, which also includes cows and goats, meaning they are related.
You can easily tell them apart: bison have a large shoulder hump, a massive head, and a thick coat of shaggy fur, especially around their head and shoulders. Buffalo typically have no hump, smoother coats and much larger horns that can curve outwards dramatically.
3. Bison Were Nearly Wiped Out
This is perhaps one of the most sobering facts about the national mammal of the US. In the early 19th century, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America, forming herds so vast they could stretch for miles.
However, westward expansion, market hunting, and deliberate slaughter as a tactic to undermine Native American tribes led to a catastrophic decline. By the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained, with some estimates putting the number as low as 300 in the wild.
4. Bison Comeback is a Conservation Success Story
From the brink of extinction, the American bison has made an incredible recovery, largely thanks to dedicated conservationists and government efforts. The establishment of protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, where a small herd survived, was crucial.
Organizations like the American Bison Society (founded by President Theodore Roosevelt) played a key role in advocating for their protection and reintroduction. Today, there are over 500,000 bison in North America, a testament to what focused conservation can achieve.
5. They Are "Keystone Species" of the Plains
A keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem; without its presence, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Bison are a perfect example. Their grazing habits help maintain the health and diversity of grasslands by preventing trees and shrubs from taking over, allowing a wide variety of grasses and wildflowers to flourish.
Their hooves break up the soil, aiding in plant growth, and their wallowing (rolling in dust) creates depressions that collect water, forming microhabitats for insects, amphibians, and birds. Their droppings fertilize the soil, and their presence impacts predator-prey dynamics.
6. Bison Are Powerful and Agile, Despite Their Size
Don't let their lumbering appearance fool you! Bison are incredibly powerful and surprisingly agile animals. As mentioned earlier, they can run at speeds up to 35 mph, faster than a horse over short distances.
They are also capable of jumping fences and obstacles almost 6 feet high from a standing start. Their thick skulls and massive neck muscles allow them to engage in powerful head-to-head combat during mating season.
7. Their Fur Changes with the Seasons and Provides Insulation
Bison have a remarkable coat of fur that adapts to the extreme temperatures of their habitat. In winter, they grow an incredibly thick, shaggy coat that insulates them from freezing temperatures and blizzards. This dense fur is so effective that snow can accumulate on their backs without melting, showing how little heat they lose.
As spring approaches, they shed this heavy coat in large clumps, often seen rubbing against trees or rocks to help the process. This thinner summer coat helps them stay cool during warmer months.
8. They Communicate with a Variety of Sounds and Body Language
Bison are not silent giants. They use a range of vocalizations and body language to communicate within their herds. During mating season, bulls emit deep, resonant roars and grunts to assert dominance and attract females. Calves make bleating sounds when seeking their mothers.
Beyond sounds, they use visual cues: a raised tail can indicate agitation, a head shake can be a warning, and wallowing can be a display of dominance or a way to spread scent.
9. Bison Have a Strong Sense of Family and Herd Structure
Bison live in complex social structures, typically forming herds that can vary greatly in size. These herds are often led by older, experienced females. Calves are born in spring and are highly dependent on their mothers and the protection of the herd.
When threatened, the herd will often form a protective circle around the young and vulnerable, with the adults facing outwards, ready to defend.
10. They Are Sacred to Many Native American Tribes
For many Native American tribes, the bison was not just a source of food and resources; it was a sacred animal, central to their culture, spiritual beliefs, and way of life. Every part of the bison was utilized – meat for sustenance, hides for clothing and shelter, bones for tools, and even their sinews for thread.
The bison symbolized strength, abundance, and the interconnectedness of all life. Its near disappearance was a devastating blow to these communities. The return of the bison is seen as a healing for both the land and the people.
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From being on the brink of vanishing to their incredible comeback, the American bison's story is a powerful reminder of nature's resilience and the impact of dedicated conservation. As the national mammal, they symbolize not just a wild past, but also a hopeful future for wildlife and habitats across the United States.
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