American Bison

What it is

The American bison (Bison bison), also commonly known as the American buffalo or simply buffalo, is a North American species of bison that once roamed the grasslands of North America in massive herds. They became nearly extinct by a combination of commercial hunting and slaughter in the 19th century and introduction of bovine diseases from domestic cattle, and have made a recent resurgence largely restricted to a few national parks and reserves. Their historical range roughly...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Mostly found in protected areas and national parks in the Great Plains and western United States.

How to find it

Visit national parks like Yellowstone or wildlife refuges. Stay in your car and use binoculars to observe them from a safe distance.

Best time of day

Any time of day, year-round; best viewing in morning or late afternoon.

How it lives

What it eats

Grasses, sedges, other plants

What eats it

Wolves (historically), bears (rarely), humans (managed herds)

Worth knowing

• They are the largest land animal in North America.
• Bison once roamed in tens of millions across the continent.
• They use their massive heads to push snow aside to find food in winter.
• Both male and female bison have horns.
• Rolling in dust creates 'wallows' which other animals use.
• They can run surprisingly fast, up to 35 miles per hour!

Why it matters

Bison are ecosystem engineers, shaping grasslands by grazing and creating wallows. Their presence helps many other plant and animal species thrive.