Discover The Bison Herds of North America

Between 30 and 60 million American bison roamed North America in 1800. Nearly extinct 100 years later, today, over 362,000 animals thrive in public and private herds. Many are open for visits by the public.

A bison bull stands atop a hill in Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Photo by the author.

“Historically the buffalo had more influence on man than all other Plains animals combined. It was life, food, raiment, and shelter to the Indians. The buffalo and the Plains Indians lived together, and together passed away.” Walter Prescott Webb, The Great Plains (Ginn and Company, 1931).

The Magnificent American Bison

The American bison (Bison bison), commonly known as the buffalo, is an even-toed ungulate. The largest land animal in North America, its vast herds once roamed wild on the Great Plains.

Adult bison bulls stand as tall as six feet at the shoulder. Image by Kazumi Runtsch and used with permission.

Bulls feature broad shoulders, massive heads covered in wiry fur, and upturned…