aka: Bison, Buffalo, American Buffalo, Buffler, Lunch. For those of you who are not blessed to live in the west and not able to see the bison on the hoof. Here is a high res picture of the American Bison aka the American Buffalo that once covered the plains in the millions. Once the white man came they slaughtered them en mass almost driving them to extinction. The reasons for the massacre were many but the simple reasons are fashion and denying the Plains Indians their main source of food. But, of course, the main driving factors were greed and stupidity. The same afflictions that have plagued humanity since the dawn of time. However they are coming back due to conservation efforts and ranching. Buffalo meat is now fairly common (at least where I am in Idaho) and is quite healthy, and better yet, tastier than beef. Unfortunately it is rather expensive. In some states the herds are sustainable enough to allow (limited) hunting. Buffler move with a speed and grace belying their bulk and are ornery critters that should be respected, if not feared. If a bison can get his head through a space he can get his body through. In Yellowstone National Park bison kill or injure more people than bears. |
American Bison |
