WOOD BISON
DESCRIPTION
The Wood Bison is a large, robust mammal characterized by its massive head, thick neck, and a prominent hump on its shoulders. They have a shaggy, dark brown coat that provides insulation against cold temperatures, and their long, curved horns can reach up to 1 meter in length. Wood Bison are social animals that often form herds, displaying complex social behaviors and strong maternal bonds.
FUN FACTS
- Wood Bison are the largest land mammals in North America, with males weighing up to 1,000 kg
- They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by grazing, which helps maintain the health of grasslands and promotes biodiversity in their habitats.| The Wood Bison was once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery in their populations, showcasing the importance of wildlife management
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight400-1,000 kg
Average Length2.4-3.4 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — Wood Bison typically live in herds that can vary in size, often consisting of females and their young, while males may be solitary or form small bachelor groups.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSummer (July-August)
- Habitat
- Wood Bison inhabit the boreal forests and tundra regions of North America, often found in areas with abundant grasslands. They prefer open landscapes where they can graze and have access to water sources.
- Biomes
- Boreal Forest, Tundra
- Native Range
- Wood Bison are native to the northern regions of Canada and Alaska, with some populations reintroduced in parts of the contiguous United States.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- Canada, United States
- Diet
- Wood Bison are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. They are known to consume a variety of plant materials, including shrubs and forbs, depending on seasonal availability.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses, sedges
- Social Structure
- group — Wood Bison typically live in herds that can vary in size, often consisting of females and their young, while males may be solitary or form small bachelor groups.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
400-1,000 kg
Weight
2.4-3.4 m
Length
1.5-2 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark brown, shaggy coat
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are larger than females
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 285 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Summer (July-August)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Wood Bison population has been recovering due to conservation efforts, but it remains vulnerable.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 5,000-10,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats to Wood Bison include habitat loss, disease, and competition with domestic livestock. Additionally, climate change poses a long-term risk to their habitat and food sources.
- Conservation Program
- The Wood Bison Recovery Program aims to restore populations and habitats through reintroduction and management efforts.
- Predators
- Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- Wood Bison can defend themselves by using their size and strength, charging at potential threats when necessary.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon