May 9, 2016 is a special day. It marked the day the American Bison was named the national mammal of the United States. The Bison is ranked together with the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of the United States. Like the eagle, the Bison is a distinct conservation success story.
The Bison supported the lives of Native Americans physically and emotionally; thus, their population reduced significantly. The Americans slaughtered the Bison for sport and hides. Also, the Bison were a significant source of ceremonial tools, shelter, and clothing. Activities such as clearing the plains for settlers and livestock and controlling plain tribes negatively impacted the Bison.
There is more to learn about the Bison, and the information below will be helpful;
Interesting Facts about the Bison
- The Bison’s hump has muscles that are supported by the long vertebrae for easier plowing of the head through the snow
- A Bison is 6-6.5 feet tall and 10-12.5 feet long.
- The majority of the 500,000 Bison countrywide are reared in the livestock ranches. Around 30,000 are managed for conservation in private and public herds.
- Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U.S where Bison have lived unceasingly since ancient times.
- Wind cave national herd was significant in reviving the Bison population across the country.
Absolutely amazing. I saw one while visiting in the West. They are huge.