PLAINS BISON
Bison bison bison
DESCRIPTION
Plains Bison (Bison bison bison) is commonly known as the American Bison and Buffalo. This large mammal is characterized by its massive head, humped shoulders, and thick fur, which can vary in color from dark brown to lighter shades. They are social animals that often form herds, displaying complex behaviors such as grazing together and protecting their young from predators.
FUN FACTS
- Plains Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with males weighing up to 1,000 kg
- They can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them surprisingly agile despite their size.|Bison have a unique digestive system that allows them to efficiently process tough grasses
- They have a four-chambered stomach, similar to that of cattle, which helps them break down fibrous plant material
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-25 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivi
Average Weight400-1,000 kg
Average Length2.4-3.4 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — they typically live in herds that can range from a few individuals to several hundred.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSummer (July-August)
- Habitat
- Plains Bison inhabit grasslands, prairies, and open plains. They prefer areas with abundant forage and access to water sources.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Savanna
- Native Range
- Historically, Plains Bison roamed across North America, from Canada to Mexico, primarily in the Great Plains region.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Plains Bison primarily grazes on grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants. They are known to consume large quantities of vegetation to sustain their massive size.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses
- Social Structure
- group — they typically live in herds that can range from a few individuals to several hundred.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
LC
400-1,000 kg
Weight
2.4-3.4 m
Length
1.5 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark brown to light brown with a shaggy coat
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger and heavier than females
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivi
- 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
- The population of Plains Bison has recovered from near extinction in the late 19th century, but they remain vulnerable.
- 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 maintain and protect their populations.
- Conservation Program
- National Bison Range, Yellowstone National Park Bison Conservation
- Predators
- Wolves, Grizzly Bears, Cougars, Humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- Plains Bison use their size and strength to defend against predators, often forming a protective circle around calves.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Common