American Bison
Bison bison
The American bison is the largest land animal in North America and an iconic symbol of the American plains. Once numbering 30 to 60 million, they were nearly hunted to extinction but have made a significant comeback.
- Mass (typical / record)
- 700 kg
- Top speed
- 65 km/h
- Body length
- 3.0 m
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Habitats
- grassland, prairie, woodland
IUCN: NT (Near Threatened)
Reduced from 60 million to ~500 by 1889, one of history's greatest wildlife tragedies. Sacred to Plains Indigenous peoples as a source of food, shelter, tools, and spiritual meaning. Now a conservation comeback story.