The American Plains Bison is the largest surviving terrestrial animal in North America. They are broad and muscular with shaggy coats of long hair. Adult bulls can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 2000 pounds. Adult cows can weigh 1000 pounds or more and be 5 feet tall. Bison calves weigh 30 to 70 pounds at birth. Bison are referred to as Buffalo in the United States and Canada. Bison are also the “National Mammal” of the United States. July is National Bison Month.

In the 1500’s 30 to 40 million Bison roamed North America, mostly in the Great Plains. By 1884 the Bison population reaches its lowest point. Around 325 wild Bison are left in the United States including 24 in Yellowstone. Because of conservation efforts, by 1910 Bison increase to 1900 in the United States. By 2017 there are approximately 200,000 to 500,000 Bison in the United States, including 5000 in Yellowstone. American Plains Bison is no longer listed as endangered. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U. S. where Bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. Yellowstone’s Bison are special because they are pure descendants of early Bison and free of cattle genes.

Native Americans relied heavily on Bison for food and utilized virtually every part of the animal. Native American uses of Bison included food, clothing, fuel, tools and utensils, shelter, weapons, transportation sleds, footwear, scrapers, needles, awls, ladles, rope, thread, glue, dyes, and religious ceremonies. In summary, the Buffalo played and integral role the lives of the Plains Indians. Buffalo were a multifaceted resource that sustained them physically, culturally, and spiritually.

The average lifespan for Bison is 10-20 years. Bison are big and they are fast. They can run up to 35 miles per hour. A baby Bison is called a “red dog”. When they are born, they are orange red in color earning them the nickname “red-dog”. Bison wallow in dirt to deter biting flies and help shed fur. Bison also wallow during mating season to leave their scent and display their strength. In 1905 President Teddy Roosevelt with William Hornady formed the American Bison Society to save the disappearing Bison. Today Bison live in all 50 states including Native American Lands, Wildlife refuges, National Parks, and Private lands. The American Bison Society saved the Bison from extinction!

Bison primarily eat grasses, weeds, and leafy plants, typically foraging for 9 to 11 hours a day. Bison are near sighted, however they excellent senses of smell and hearing. You can judge a Bison’s mood by its tail. When it hangs down and switches naturally, the Bison is usually calm. If the tail is standing up, watch out! It may be ready to charge. No matter what a Bison’s tail is doing, remember that they are unpredictable and can change at any moment.

The American Bison was designated as the National Mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016. This majestic animal joins the rank of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of our Country. Public lands managed by the Interior support approximately 10,000 Bison in 12 States including Alaska. This represents about one-third of all wild Bison in North America. The Bison population in Yellowstone was approximately 5450 in 2021, making it the largest Bison population on public lands. Bison calves “red dogs” are born from late March through May. As the calves grow their hair color changes to dark brown and their characteristic shoulder hump and horns begin to develop. The historical significance of Bison is intertwined the Native American Culture. Bison provided food, clothing, fuel, tool, shelter, and spiritual value to Indigenous Communities.

In my next article I will go into more detail about how the Bison (Buffalo) roamed, grazed and improved the original American rangeland.