Learn about our American bison!

Scientific name: Bison bison

What do bison and snowplows have in common? In winter bison clear snow from their grazing area by sweeping their massive heads from side to side.

Where They Live:
Bison roam wide-open prairies in North America.

What They Eat:
Bison eat mainly grasses and sedges—as much as 15-30 pounds per animal per day.

Test Your Knowledge! (answers below)

1. Adult male bison can weigh up to…
   a. 2000 lbs.     b. 1000 lbs.     c. 250 lbs.     d. 5000 lbs.

2. Bison can run faster than most horses.
   a. true     b. false

3. Which of the following describes bison?
   a. Bison move continuously as they eat     b. Bison take baths in the dust     c. Bison are excellent swimmers     d. All of the above

Bison or Buffalo
American Bison are often called buffalo.  But they are more closely related to cattle than to true buffalo species, which are found in Africa (cape buffalo) and Asia (water buffalo).

Joke of the Day: What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for school?
Answer: “bye-son” (get it?  Bye-son…bison!)

Help the bison find some grass to eat!