American Bison

The American bison is the largest land mammal in North America, once roaming the continent’s grasslands in herds numbering in the tens of millions before being hunted to near-extinction in the 19th century — a combination of commercial hunting and diseases introduced by domestic cattle drove the population from an estimated 30–60 million down to just a few hundred animals by the 1880s. Bison are easily recognized by their massive, shaggy-maned heads and shoulders, which taper to a smaller, leaner hindquarters, and both males and females grow curved horns.

Bison have made a real recovery since then, though today’s population remains largely restricted to national parks, reserves, and conservation herds rather than the open range. They’re highly social animals that live in matriarchal herds, and both sexes are known for “wallowing” — rolling in dust or mud to cool off, remove loose fur, and deter biting insects. As grazers, bison also play an important ecological role: their feeding patterns help maintain the health and diversity of prairie grasslands.

See our American bison up close at Plumpton Park Zoo — plan your visit.