Huge, slow and incredibly hairy - but immensely powerful – American bison are the largest land mammal in North America and an iconic part of the USA's identity. There are even several sports teams that use them on their logos and in their names.
The animal's name is a bit confusing. Although there is a long tradition of referring to these massive creatures as buffalo, they are actually bison. American bison are relatives of yaks, European bison and the now extinct aurochs. True buffalos are actually water buffalos and African buffalos.
These incredible animals really are a sight to behold, as these images demonstrate.
Bison standing in front of the Rocky Mountains. In 2016, Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act, which made the Bison the United States' official 'national mammal'. Credit: Jillian Cooper via GettyA bison stands tall in the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. Credit: bluejayphoto via Getty
Bison in Yellowstone National Park. Mature bulls weigh close to 1,000kg and stand almost 2m tall. Credit: Don White via GettyTwo wild bison males fighting. Credit: Tango One via GettyA bison in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park. American bison have a long, shaggy coat that covers their front quarters, front legs and heads. Credit: Michelle Hough via GettyTens of thousands of bison were slaughtered by European settlers in the 19th century, bringing them close to extinction. Credit: Burke Ulrey via GettyAn American bison makes its way through deep snow. Credit: DVilfer via GettyTwo bison bulls collide. Credit: greymountainphotography via GettyA bison wades through water in Yellowstone National Park. Credit: Don White via GettyThe shaggy coats of American bison attract biting insects. They roll in damp or dusty hollows to deter the pests. Credit: Don White via GettyTwo male bison fighting in a field. 30 million American bison once roamed North America’s vast grasslands. Credit: greymountainphotography via GettyA herd of American bison on the move. Credit: arviest via Getty
Daisy is a journalist and writer with 20 years of experience working on titles including the Telegraph, Time Out London, WhatsOnStage, Gardens Illustrated, the Guardian and Ambit Magazine. Her passions are wildlife, gardens and the arts and loves it best when those things intersect.
