American Bison

The American bison, also known as the American buffalo, is considered North America's largest land animal. Bison are commonly found grazing in mixed-grass prairie, however they are also found in short and tallgrass prairie. For the first several months of life, bison are dark orange/brown in color but as they grow older, their color changes to dark brown. Bison, like many large animals, grow quickly and may weigh 400 pounds or more by their first birthday. An adult male can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Both male and female bison have short black horns that grow out from the sides of the head then curve up in, ending with pointed tips. Bison usually live in herds of 4-20 with sexes remaining separate except during the breeding season. Occasionally small herds cluster together to form large herds of several thousand that will stampede if frightened. The bison's large size, however, does not indicate a lack of speed. When galloping, they can reach speeds of 32 mph.

The American bison population is estimated to have been between 30 and 60 million in 1830. By 1889, the vast herds that once roamed the prairies of the United States had been reduced to less than 1,000 animals. Bison were hunted to near extinction by settlers for sport, hides, meat and to destroy the food supply of Native Americans. In 1889, William T. Hornaday, Superintendent of the National Zoo, 1889, summed up the situation. "The wild buffalo is practically gone forever, and in a few more years...nothing will remain of him save his old, well-worn trails along the water-courses." However, with protection, the species has not disappeared and in fact, has proven to be resilient.

SIZE: 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) at the shoulder WEIGHT: Males - 1600-2000lb (725.76-907.2kg) Females - 900-1100lb (408.24-498.96kg) LIFESPAN: up to 20 years SEXUAL MATURITY: 2-3 years GESTATION: 9-9 1/2 months