Bison | nieoo

General Information

The Bison is a large, herbivorous mammal native to North America and Europe.
There are two main species: the American bison (Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus).
Bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, but true buffalo are found in Africa and Asia.
They are known for their massive size, shaggy coats, and curved horns.
The American bison is the largest land mammal in North America.

Adult males, called bulls, can weigh between 900 to 1,000 kg (2,000 to 2,200 lbs).
Females, known as cows, are smaller, weighing around 450 to 550 kg (1,000 to 1,200 lbs).
Bison stand about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall at the shoulder.
They have a hump on their shoulders, which is made of powerful muscles used for plowing through snow.
Their thick, shaggy fur helps them survive harsh winters.
Bison have short, curved horns that they use for defense and dominance battles.

American bison are primarily found in grasslands, prairies, and river valleys.
European bison live in forests and are more adapted to woodland environments.
Bison are highly adaptable and can survive in extreme temperatures.
Their thick fur and fat reserves help them withstand cold winters.
Bison use their strong heads to plow through snow in search of food.

Bison are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, sedges, and shrubs.
They graze for up to 11 hours a day.
Bison have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to digest tough plant material.
They help maintain the ecosystem by spreading seeds and fertilizing the soil.

Bison are social animals and live in herds.
Herds are usually led by dominant females, while males form separate bachelor groups.
During the mating season, bulls engage in headbutting battles to compete for females.
They communicate through grunts, snorts, and body language.

The breeding season (rut) occurs between July and September.
After a gestation period of about 9 months, cows give birth to a single calf.
Newborn bison calves have a reddish-brown coat and are nicknamed "red dogs."
Calves begin grazing within a few weeks but stay with their mothers for about a year.
Bison have an average lifespan of 15-20 years in the wild.

Bison populations declined due to overhunting in the 19th century.
By the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained in North America.
Conservation efforts, including national parks and breeding programs, helped restore their numbers.
Today, there are over 500,000 bison, but many live in managed herds.
European bison were also on the brink of extinction but have been successfully reintroduced into the wild.

The American bison is the national mammal of the United States.
Bison can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h (35 mph).
Despite their massive size, bison are excellent swimmers.
Their hooves and weight naturally aerate the soil, benefiting grassland ecosystems.
Bison are featured in many Native American cultures and were essential for survival.