BISON
Bison bison
DESCRIPTION
Bison (Bison bison) are large, herbivorous mammals known for their massive heads and humped shoulders. They are iconic symbols of the North American plains and are recognized for their shaggy coats and strong build.
FUN FACTS
- Bison can run up to 35 miles per hour | They can weigh over a ton | Bison are the largest land mammals in North America
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Average Weight400-1,000 kg
Average Length2.4-3.4 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — bison typically live in herds that can vary in size, often led by a dominant female.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSummer (July-August)
- Habitat
- Bison inhabit grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with abundant forage and access to water sources.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Temperate Forest
- Native Range
- Historically, bison roamed across North America from Canada to Mexico, primarily in the Great Plains region.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Bison primarily graze on grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants. They are known to consume a variety of vegetation depending on the season and availability.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses
- Social Structure
- group — bison typically live in herds that can vary in size, often led by a dominant female.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
400-1,000 kg
Weight
2.4-3.4 m
Length
1.5 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark brown to black with a shaggy coat
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger and more robust than females
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 285 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Summer (July-August)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Bison populations have rebounded from near extinction in the late 19th century, but they are still considered near threatened.
- Wild Population Estimate
- approximately 500,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss, disease, and competition with livestock. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their habitats.
- Conservation Program
- National Bison Range, various state and federal conservation programs
- Predators
- wolves, bears, and humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- Bison use their size and strength to defend against predators, often forming a protective circle around calves.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Common