“Bison” or “Buffalo”? "Buffalo" is the term used by most people to describe the American bison. The term buffalo is believed to be derived from a name given to bison by early French explorers. Bison and buffalo are members of the cattle family. True buffaloes are the African Cape buffalo and the Asian Water Buffalo. Bison are found only in North America and Europe.
Bison are currently found only on private ranches, in public parks or zoos in the United States. Historically, population estimates ranged from 30 to 60 million. Bison were hunted extensively for their meat and skins, and were shot to protect livestock interests and to help subdue the Indians of the Plains. By 1890, only several hundred bison survived. As a result of private and governmental conservation efforts over 100,000 exist today.
Bison are large, cow-like mammals and have a distinct hump above their shoulders. Head, neck, shoulders, and front legs are covered with shaggy hair and hind part of body with short hair. The head is heavy with short, curved, black horns. The tail is short, ending in a tuft of hair. Color of adults varies from light brown in summer to brownish-black in winter.
Bison calves average 35-50 pounds at birth and are normally reddish-brown, but some are black.
Bison are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. While appearing slow and docile, they are agile and can run as fast as a horse. |
