Lisa O
November 6th is National Bison Day! This special day is all about celebrating the American bison, often called buffalo. These huge animals used to roam North America’s grasslands in massive herds. Before the mid-1800s, it’s estimated that 30 to 60 million bison were wandering across the continent. Today, you can still see one living freely in national parks and wildlife preserves. To honor them, here are 15 incredible facts about bison.
Bison Are Huge
Bison are among the biggest land mammals you’ll find in North America. A full-grown male bison, or bull, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds—that’s like having two SUVs stacked on top of each other. They stand around 6 feet tall at the shoulders, which is nearly as tall as an average person. Their impressive size makes them a sight to see and helps them fend off predators and handle harsh weather conditions.
They’ve Got a Unique Build
Bison are easy to spot thanks to their distinctive hump over their shoulders. But this hump isn’t just for looks—it’s a big muscle that gives them the power to push through deep snow and rough ground. This strong muscle helps bison trudge through snowy landscapes and stand up to strong winds, making them perfectly adapted to their surroundings.
They’re Fast Runners
Even though bison are massive, they’re surprisingly speedy. They can run up to 35 miles per hour—faster than most people can sprint! This burst of speed is critical for escaping predators like wolves or bears. It also comes in handy when they’re making long treks across the plains in search of food or water.
Their Coats Are Extra Thick
Bison have a cool trick for staying warm in freezing temperatures without using up extra energy. Their thick coats are built to handle harsh winter weather. They have two layers of hair plus a thick hide. The rough outer layer keeps out the cold and moisture, while the soft inner layer traps air and warmth. Bison sport ten times more hair per square inch than regular cattle.
They Play a Role in Their Ecosystem
They munch on native grasses, which helps manage plant growth, and their hooves churn up the soil. Their droppings also act as fertilizer. When bison wallow around, they shake up the prairie environment, which affects insect populations. Animals like prairie dogs love areas grazed by bison because it helps them spot predators more easily.
They Eat a Lot
Bison are nonstop eaters, chowing down on huge amounts of food every day. They mainly graze on grasses but also nibble on leaves, shrubs, and even tree bark. A single bison can scarf up to 30 pounds of plants daily. This constant munching keeps them fed and helps shape the landscape—promoting different plant growth and keeping the ecosystem balanced.
They Were Almost Extinct
In the 1800s, the American bison came close to extinction, with just about 325 bison left by 1884. A major reason was the mass killing of bison by white settlers. This wasn’t just hunting—it was a strategy to take away the Indigenous peoples’ main food source, their cultural traditions, and their trade goods. As settlers moved west, they fenced off the open lands where bison roamed, cutting off their habitats. This still affects bison recovery today.
They Can Be Quite Social
Bison are social animals that form herds, ranging in size from just a few members to several hundred. These herds are typically led by an older female called a matriarch. The matriarch plays a super important role in guiding the herd to resources and ensuring their safety. Bison herd behavior helps them protect each other and improves their chances of survival.
They Have a Unique Way of Communicating
Bison have all kinds of ways to communicate with each other. They grunt, snort, and bellow to show different emotions or warn the herd of danger nearby. But it’s not just about the sounds—body language is a big deal too. A bison might lower its head or move closer to another one to get their attention or just build a stronger bond.
They’re Great Swimmers
Bison are surprisingly strong swimmers and can easily cross lakes and rivers when they need to. This skill is super useful when they’re looking for new feeding areas or trying to escape predators. Thanks to their powerful legs and buoyant bodies—they can swim long distances without wearing themselves out. Whether it’s a wide river or a big lake, bison have the strength and stamina to make it across.
Their Digestion Is Special
Bison have a pretty unique digestive system with four stomach chambers, kind of like cows. This setup lets them break down tough plant materials really efficiently. Those four chambers help them process fibrous grasses and get all the important nutrients they need, which is super important since they mostly munch on vegetation.
They Can Live a Long Time
In the wild, bison usually stick around for about 15 years. But in protected spots like national parks, where they’re shielded from a lot of dangers, they can live up to 20 years or even a bit more. Being in these safe areas helps them stay healthy and thrive, showing just how well they can do with the right care and protection.
Bison Were Once Sacred to Native Americans
For many Native American tribes, bison were way more than just a crucial resource—they had deep spiritual meaning, too. Tribes depended on bison for food, clothing, tools, and a bunch of other things. The bison were central to many cultural practices and ceremonies, symbolizing strength, endurance, and how everything in life is connected.
They’re Not Buffalo
Even though people often mix up the terms “bison” and “buffalo,” they actually refer to different animals. True buffalo, like the African buffalo and the water buffalo, are from Africa and Asia. Bison, on the other hand, are native to North America. They’ve got their own distinct features and behaviors that set them apart from their buffalo relatives—making them pretty unique in their own right.
Their Conservation Is at Risk
Even though bison are listed as near threatened by the IUCN, conserving them is tricky. In North America, some laws treat bison as livestock, while others see them as wildlife. Breeding bison for commercial purposes doesn’t help their conservation because it focuses on making them gentler and improving meat quality. Plus, mixing bison with cattle—either on purpose or by accident—makes it harder to keep their gene pool healthy.