The American buffalo

The American Bison, or Buffalo, is the national mammal of the United States. Its origins have been traced back as far as 5 million years ago through fossils and cave drawings. Originating in Asia, herds of the animal crossed the Bering Strait into Alaska and Canada and down throughout North America.

Once plentiful, the herds were tracked and hunted by the Plains Indians for food and hides. In the 1800’s the animal became nearly extinct due to commercial hunting and slaughter; by 1889 there were only 541 of the species left.

Today there are more than 30,000 wild buffalo, largely restricted to a few national parks and reserves. Private ranchers have helped the species grow, numbering over 500,000 in captivity.

For the first two months of life, calves are lighter in color than mature bison. One very rare condition is the white buffalo, in which the calf turns entirely white.

Despite being the closest relatives of domestic cattle native to North America, bison were never domesticated by Native Americans. Later attempts of domestication by Europeans prior to the 20th century met with limited success. Bison were described as having a “wild and ungovernable temper”; they can jump close to 6 feet vertically and run 35–40 mph when agitated. They have been known to attack humans when provoked.

BUFFALO FACTS:

• Bison are North America’s largest land animals.

• A male buffalo can easily way more than 2,000 lbs.

• A bison stands 6 – 6.5 feet tall and 10 – 12.5 feet long.

• Bison have a life expectancy around 15 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity.

• A bison’s hump is composed of muscle, supported by long vertebrae. ...

• The Buffalo is part of the Bovine species which also include water buffalo and the yak.

• Some cattle ranchers breed the buffalo with cows, creating “cattalo” or “beefalo”.