The American bison (Bison bison) is a North American species of bison, also commonly known as the American buffalo. Some consider the term "buffalo" somewhat of a misnomer for this animal, as it is only distantly related to either of the two "true buffalo," the Asian water buffalo and the African buffalo. However, "bison" is a Greek word meaning ox-like animal, while "buffalo" originated with the French fur trappers who called these massive beasts bœufs, meaning ox or bullock - so both names, "bison" and "buffalo," have a similar meaning. In reference to this animal, the term "buffalo," which dates to 1635, has a much longer history than the term "bison," which was first recorded in 1774.[2] The American bison is more closely related to the wisent or European bison.
Ten Facts about American Bison
- During mating males may fight over a female by butting heads and locking horns. The head of a bison is thickly padded with flesh which helps them to absorb the blows.
- When a female is not interested in a particular suitor she simply walks away.
- Female bisons are sexually mature and ready to mate between 2 to 3 years whereas males don't become sexually mature until around the age of 6 years.
- The diet of bisons consists mostly of grass and vegetation.
- In its natural habitat the bison roams plains, prairies and river valleys.
- The male bison stands 6 feet tall from hoof to shoulder and weighs from 800 to 2000 pounds. Females are just a bit smaller standing 5 feet and weighing about the same or slightly less than the males.
- Female bisons give birth to one calf after a gestation period of 9 months. At the age of 2 months the calf begins to develop horns and the characteristic hump. The calf is then weaned at the age of 7 months.
- The bison is most active during the morning and afternoon hours with grazing and then resting in the evening.
- Bisons reach a speed of up to 30 miles per hour.
- The average lifespan of the bison is 12 to 15 years.
