Norristown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bison
Bison bison
— threatened —
North America's largest land animal.
Can weigh up to 2,000 pounds or 1 ton.
Males stand six feet at the shoulder.
Diet: vegetation; must eat at least 15 pounds daily.
Range: At one time widespread from Alaska to northern Mexico; now found on private and protected land in western US and Canada.
The bison's hump is a set of powerful muscles that hold up and control the movement of its 75 pound head. A bison uses its head like a plow to clear away snow from grass.
Quick Fact - Five times as many people are injured by bison than by bears in Yellowstone National Park.
Conservation Corner
Before the European settlement there were 50 - 60 million bison in North America. After 1890, that number was reduced to 1,000. With restricted hunting, close to 50,000 bison survive today.
Erected by Elmwood Park Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 40° 7.932′ N, 75° 20.37′ W. Marker is in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Harding Boulevard and Chain Street, on the right when traveling south
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Did You Know? (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Bison (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Bison (within shouting distance of this marker); Elk (within shouting distance of this marker); Bald Eagle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (about 300 feet away); Peregrine Falcon (about 400 feet away); Nene (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norristown.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
