American Bison Secrets That Will Amaze You

American bison of North America is strong, rugged and deeply symbolic of the continent’s wildlife heritage but behind its massive frame are fascinating secrets that many people don’t know. From near extinction to surprising biological quirks, here are some of the most astonishing facts about this wild giant.

Before European settlement an estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed the Great Plains. Their herds shaped entire ecosystems by grazing, trampling soil, dispersing seeds and creating habitats for other species. Today, their population has grown back to around 500000 thanks largely to massive conservation efforts.


Despite weighing up to 900 kg, bison runs at speeds of 56 km/h nearly as fast as a horse. Even more surprising is that they jump six feet straight up, turn sharply while running and swim long distances. Their strength and agility make them one of the toughest land animals in North America.


That muscular hump on their shoulders is not just for looks. It is a powerful mass of muscles supported by long vertical vertebrae. This structure helps them plow through snow in winter as they sweep their massive heads side to side to uncover grass beneath.

Bison herds follow a structured social system. Females lead family groups with calves while males live in bachelor herds. During mating season males join the females and use growls and physical appearance to show dominance. Mothers are fiercely protective of their calves and young bison stay close to their mothers for over a year.

Bison are not silent giants but they communicate through:

• Snorts and grunts
• Tail signals
• Pawing the ground
• Body postures

These behaviors help them warn the herd, express stress or show aggression.

In the late 19th century, bison were hunted almost to extinction dropping to fewer than 1000 animals. Their hides were sold for industrial belts and their loss was part of an effort to remove a key resource for Indigenous communities. Conservationists and Native American tribes stepped in leading to one of the greatest wildlife recoveries in US history.

Bison are a keystone species. Their grazing patterns help maintain prairie grasslands which support countless animal and plant species. Even their wallows become microhabitats that collect rainwater and nourish unique plants.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is special about the American bison?
   The American bison is North America’s largest land mammal, known for its strength, speed and ecological importance.
2. How did bison almost go extinct?
   In the late 1800s, bison were hunted for hides and to weaken Indigenous communities reducing their numbers to fewer than 1,000.
3. Why are bison considered a keystone species?
   Their grazing maintains prairie grasslands while their wallows create microhabitats that support biodiversity.