History:  Bison are one of the few animals who have survived for millions of years.  It is believed they ranged over major parts of Northern Europe, Asia and North America and the ancestors of today's bison were huge in comparison.  They were roughly 40% larger than today's bison and had horns that spread up to seven feet from tip to tip.  Bison adapted to changing environments by modifying their habits and reducing their physical size.  Bison once ranged as far north as northern Canada and as far south as northern Mexico.  By the mid 1800's the range had contracted severely, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 effectively cut the herd in two.  In the late 1800's it is estimated that a few hundred bison remained in North America, due to drastic over hunting, and the species was headed for extinction.  However, through various conservation efforts, bison are no longer in danger of becoming extinct and about 450,000 exist in the United States today according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. In 2016 the bison was named the official National Mammal of the United States. Today, bison live in all 50 states and serve as a symbol of resilience.

Types:  there are two types of bison in North America; the plains bison and the wood bison.  The wood bison are much fewer in number, but larger physically, and live in northern North America.  The bison found in the United States are plains bison, as are the bison in Banfield.

Weight:  bison can weigh over 2000 pounds and large males may weigh nearly 3000 pounds.  The average female weighs in the 1200 - 1500 pound range

Height:  approximately 5 - 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder

Speed:  can run up to 40 miles per hour and can pivot 180 degrees on all four legs

Diet:  eats plants and grasses - over 25 pounds per day (herbivore).  Will dine on hay in winter when grasses are in short supply and will eat grain (Banfield bison eat only grasses and hay)

Horns:  bison naturally have horns, both male and female, and their horns can grow to two feet in length

Meat:  bison meat is low in fat, high in protein, has a great cholesterol profile and tastes great!

Coat:  bison have summer and winter coats.  The winter coat is very thick (over 8000 hairs per square inch), the only animal with a thicker winter coat is the Musk Ox.  Bison stay outside during all types of weather and, due to their heavy coats, do not require any type of protective structure.  Bison begin growing their winter coats in late fall and shedding their winter coats in early spring

Color:  bison are typically dark brown with a lighter cape on their back.  Calves are born with a reddish brown coat that turns darker after the first couple of months

Calves:  calves are typically born between April and August but can arrive at any point.  The birth process takes about 20 minutes and the typical calf weighs between 30-50 pounds at birth and can stand and run with its mother shortly after it is born.  Bison have the same gestation period as humans (292 days or nine months)

Life Expectancy:  12 - 20 years in the wild and up to 40 years on farms.  Cows have been known to have calves well into their 30's 

Attitude:  bison are unpredictable and should be viewed from 250 - 300 feet away.  Bison should never be approached straight on and, instead, should be approached cautiously toward one side or the other (but only within the recommended range).  Bison have a 'personal space' and if that space is invaded, and/or they sense danger, they may display several behaviors including:  

•    Swinging their head back and forth while staring at you.

•    Pawing at the ground or hooking it with their horns in response to your approach.

•    Short 'bluff' charges toward you.

•    Loud, aggressive snorting.

•    A determined advance straight in your direction (if this occurs find cover quickly).

•    A bison's tail is also a good indicator of its attitude.  If the tail is down the bison is generally at rest.  However, a raised tail may indicate aggression.

Miscellaneous:

•    Bison are very curious animals and like to know what is going on in their areas.  They will often wander over to take a look and inspect the activity and then will usually go about their business.

•    Bison have a full set of teeth.  Their tongue is long and rough, much like a cat's tongue, which helps them when eating grasses.

•    In addition to their meat, all other parts of the bison (except the grunt- the noise that they make) can be used by humans.  Their fur makes wonderfully warm sweaters and their capes are used to make warm coats.