The American bison, often mistakenly called buffalo, is the emblem of strength and resilience in North America. As the largest terrestrial mammals on the continent, these majestic creatures are critical puzzle pieces in North American history and ecosystems.
Scientific Name and Classification
The scientific name of the American bison is Bison bison. This species is distinct from the European bison (Bison bonasus), also known as the wisent. While both species share similarities, they exhibit differences in physical characteristics and behaviors. For instance, European bison tend to be taller and have longer legs compared to their American counterparts.
American Bison vs. Buffalo
The term “buffalo” is commonly used to refer to the American bison, but this is a misnomer. True buffaloes, such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), are distinct species native to Africa and Asia, respectively. Differences between bison and true buffalo include variations in horn shape, body size, and habitat preferences.
European Bison vs. American Bison
While both the European bison (wisent) and the American bison belong to the same genus, they exhibit notable differences. European bison tend to be taller with longer legs and have a less pronounced shoulder hump compared to American bison. Behaviorally, European bison are more prone to browsing (feeding on leaves and twigs), whereas American bison primarily graze on grasses.
Diet
American bison are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses and sedges. They have strong tongues that help them tug and chew vegetation. Once they have swallowed, bison regurgitate food to chew it once more before downing it for digestion. Their diet varies with the seasons; during summer, they prefer grasses, while in the winter, they may consume woody plant material when grasses are scarce. And since grasses are normally buried in snow during winter, bison wield their shoulder humps to move their heads sideways to plow snow, uncovering vegetation underneath. This grazing behavior helps maintain the health of grasslands by preventing overgrowth and promoting plant diversity.
Habitat and Historic Range
Historically, the American bison’s range spanned much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico and from the eastern seaboard to the Pacific Northwest. The only places that were free of these giants were coastlines and deserts. Unfortunately, human activities drove bison outside their initial habitat and today, their range is significantly reduced, with wild populations primarily found in protected areas such as national parks, state reserves, and wildlife refuges. They inhabit a variety of environments, including open plains, prairies, river valleys, and forests.
Size and Weight
As the largest and heaviest land mammal in North America, bison are massive. Male bison, known as bulls, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand about 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Females, or cows, are smaller, typically weighing around 1,000 pounds and reaching heights of 4 to 5 feet. Surprisingly, they are agile and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Sounds and Communication
Bison are known to produce a variety of sounds for communication. These include grunts, snorts, and bellows. Bulls, especially during the mating season, emit deep bellows to establish dominance and attract females. Calves communicate with their mothers through higher-pitched bleats.
Lifespan
In the wild, American bison typically live up to 20 years, though some individuals may live longer under favorable conditions. In captivity, with regular veterinary care and a controlled environment, bison can live up to 25 years.
Conservation Status
In the late 19th century, the American bison faced near extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, with populations dwindling to fewer than 1,100 individuals. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of protected herds and legal protections, have helped bison populations recover to approximately 500,000 individuals today. However, only about 15,000 to 25,000 of these are considered wild, free-range bison not primarily managed for livestock purposes. Though brought back from the brink, bison are now classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN list.
Fun Facts
Speed and Agility: Despite their size, bison can run faster than horses, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They can also jump over 6 feet vertically.
Wallowing Behavior: Bison often roll in the dust to deter flies and help shed fur. This behavior, known as wallowing, creates depressions in the ground that can later serve as microhabitats for other species.
US National Symbol: In 2016, the American bison was designated as the national mammal of the United States, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
