Bison

Bison are large, powerful animals that roam grasslands, forests, and plains. They are known for their massive heads and thick coats. They once covered the land in great numbers and are now making a comeback thanks to protection efforts.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Genus: Bison

There are two main species of bison:

• American Bison (Bison bison)
• European Bison (Bison bonasus)

Common Names

• Bison
• Buffalo (used in America, though they are not true buffalo)
• American Buffalo
• Wisent (European Bison)
• In many cultures, they are called “thunder beasts” for the sound their herds make when running

 Geographic Distribution

American Bison are found mostly in North America, especially in the United States and Canada.
European Bison (Wisent) are found in forests of Eastern Europe, including Poland, Belarus, and Russia.

Bison prefer:

• Grasslands and prairies
• Light forests
• Open meadows

Image Showing A herd of bison grazing on a wide open plain (Source: National Park Service)

Major types of Bison

1. American Bison

The most well-known and largest land mammal in North America.

Image Showing  American Bison with shaggy dark fur and strong horns (Source: Wikipedia)

Key Facts:

• Weight: Up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs)
• Height: About 1.8 meters at the shoulder
• Features: Hump on shoulders, thick brown fur, short curved horns
• Behavior: Lives in herds, grazes on grass, migrates with seasons

2. European Bison (Wisent)

Slightly slimmer and taller, with shorter fur and a longer tail.

Image Showing European Bison walking in a snowy forest (Source: Sanctuary Nature Foundation)

Key Facts:

• Weight: Up to 900 kg (1,980 lbs)
• Habitat: Forests and wooded grasslands
• Behavior: Shy and more reclusive
• Status: Once extinct in the wild, now reintroduced to Europe

Physical Characteristics

Bison are large animals with:

• Thick, woolly fur that protects them in cold weather
• Strong legs and hooves for running across rough ground
• Large heads with a hump of muscle used for digging snow or fighting
• Sharp, curved horns on both males and females

They can run up to 55 km/h and jump fences or obstacles if chased.

Behavior and Lifestyle

Bison are herd animals, living in groups for safety and warmth.

• Grazers: They eat grass, herbs, and shrubs
• Seasonal movers: They migrate to find better food and weather
• Calm but defensive: They are usually peaceful but can charge if threatened
• Mothers are protective of their calves and care for them for months

Fun facts

• Bison were once so numerous that they covered the Great Plains like waves
• A bison calf can stand and walk within one hour of birth
• Their humps are made of pure muscle, helping them push snow to find grass
• Bison can survive extreme weather from snowstorms to heat waves
• The American Bison is the national mammal of the United States

Importance to Humans

Bison have been very important to Indigenous people for centuries, providing:

• Meat, hides, and bones for food, clothing, and tools
• Cultural and spiritual meaning in rituals and stories
• Inspiration in art and identity

Today, they help in:

• Grassland conservation by grazing and fertilizing the land
• Tourism and eco-education in parks and reserves
• Sustainable meat farming in some regions

Health & common issues

In the wild or in captivity, bison can face:

Common Problems:

• Parasites (ticks, lice, worms)
• Foot rot or hoof injuries
• Respiratory infections, especially in winter
• Malnutrition during drought or snow cover
• Brucellosis (a disease that can also affect livestock)

Veterinary Needs:

• Periodic deworming and vaccinations (in farms or sanctuaries)
• Hoof care and injury treatment
• Proper grazing land and water access
• Monitoring during calving season

Conservation status

American Bison:

• Once nearly extinct due to hunting, now listed as Near Threatened
• Protected in parks like Yellowstone and on tribal lands

European Bison:

• Listed as Vulnerable
• Saved from extinction through captive breeding and forest release programs

Threats Include:

• Habitat loss
• Disease spread from livestock
• Human conflict or overhunting (in history)

Image Showing a  young bison calf walking beside its mother (Source: Wild Idea Buffalo Company)

Want to learn more about large mammals or report a wildlife concern?
📞 Contact Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital Today @ 08143397614. We’re here for animals.