The Majestic Bison: A Review of North America's Largest Land Mammal

The American bison (Bison bison), often called buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the North American wilderness. These massive creatures once roamed the continent in tens of millions, shaping ecosystems and playing a crucial role in Native American cultures. Today, they stand as a conservation success story and a living testament to America's natural heritage.

Physical Characteristics

Bison are the largest terrestrial animals in North America, with bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and standing 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at the shoulder. Their most distinctive features include a massive head with short curved horns, a pronounced shoulder hump, and a thick shaggy coat that protects them from harsh winters. The dark brown winter coat is shed in patches during spring, giving them a somewhat ragged appearance during the transition.

Behavior and Social Structure

Bison live in hierarchical herds that typically consist of females and their offspring, while mature males often form smaller bachelor groups or live solitarily. The herd structure changes seasonally, with larger aggregations forming during breeding season. Despite their size, bison are remarkably agile, capable of running up to 35 mph (56 km/h), jumping high fences, and swimming across rivers.

Ecological Importance

As keystone species, bison dramatically influence their environment. Their grazing patterns create habitat mosaics that support diverse plant and animal communities. Wallowing behavior creates depressions that collect water and become microhabitats. Their hooves aerate soil and help disperse seeds throughout the grasslands. The near-extinction of bison in the late 19th century demonstrated how profoundly their absence affects ecosystems.

Conservation Status

From an estimated 30-60 million animals pre-colonization, bison numbers plummeted to fewer than 1,000 by 1889 due to commercial hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts beginning in the early 20th century have restored the population to about 500,000 today, though only about 20,000 are considered genetically pure and free of cattle hybridization. Yellowstone National Park maintains the largest population of purebred plains bison.

Cultural Significance

For Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, bison were central to physical and spiritual life, providing food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Many tribes are now leading bison restoration efforts to heal both ecological and cultural connections. The bison was designated the U.S. national mammal in 2016, recognizing its historical and contemporary importance.

Current Challenges

Modern bison face challenges including limited genetic diversity, habitat fragmentation, and conflicts with livestock interests. Brucellosis, a disease transmissible to cattle, remains a management concern. Conservationists advocate for expanding bison range on public lands and supporting tribal bison programs to ensure the species' long-term survival.

The bison's remarkable comeback from near extinction demonstrates nature's resilience when given opportunity. As living symbols of wilderness and conservation, they continue to inspire efforts to restore North America's native ecosystems. Their survival depends on balanced management that respects both ecological needs and human interests.