American Bison

The American bison is the largest native land mammal in North America and is commonly associated with the Great Plains, prairie ecosystems, and western rangelands. Mature bulls usually weigh about 1,000–2,000 pounds, while cows generally weigh about 800–1,200 pounds. They are dark brown with a massive shoulder hump, heavy forequarters, short curved horns, a beard, and a thick winter coat that sheds in warmer months. American bison are herd animals, strong grazers, and highly adapted to open grasslands. They were not introduced into the United States because they are native; however, after near-extirpation in the 1800s, they were restored through federal, tribal, conservation, and private ranch herds beginning in the late 1800s and early 1900s.