Ten Fascinating Facts About Bison

From their ecological and economic contributions to their cultural and historical impact on our country, there is much to be celebrated about bison. The bison has played a central role in America’s history. They helped shape the ecology of the Great Plains, contributed to the US economy, and continue to hold cultural and spiritual significance for Native Americans. So, to celebrate the proud and majestic mammal, here are 10 fascinating facts about bison:

1. Bison have always roamed in Yellowstone National Park, as evidenced by prehistoric fossils found in modern times.
2. Given their size as the largest mammals in North America, bison are surprisingly agile with an ability to swim well, jump up to six feet and run between 35 and 40 mph.
3. Herds of bison can be found in all 50 states and serve as a symbol of unity, resilience and healthy lifestyles and communities.
4. The American bison is not only the country’s official mammal; the bison is also the state mammal of Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
5. Bison and buffalo are not the same. Bison are native to North and South America and Europe, while the traditional home of buffalo is in Africa and Asia.
6. Bison meat is a very healthy, lean and deliciously-rich source of protein with less fat and more nutrients than other red meats, poultry, and fish. TenderBison’s cuts are all-natural, without added growth hormones, and never raised with antibiotics.
7. At the height of their magnificence, there were between 30 and 60 million bison in the new world circa the 16th century. Today, there are currently half a million bison roaming happily across North America.
8. Bison production on private ranches is in its strongest economic condition in more than a decade. Bison ranches in states including South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, and Montana create jobs, provide a sustainable and healthy meat source, and contribute to our nation’s food security.
9. The National Bison Legacy Act was signed by President Obama on May 9, 2016, making North American bison the official National Mammal of the United States.
10. Before being nearly wiped from existence by westward expansion, bison roamed across most of North America. The species is acknowledged as the first American conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction by a concerted effort of ranchers, conservationists and politicians to save the species in the early 20th century.