Bison: Symbol of the American West

Bison: Symbol of the American West. . , Perhaps no other animal captures the essence of the American West like the bison. They symbolize a wild and powerful feature on the Great Plains. Without them, America's heritage would not be the same., Also called buffalo, prehistoric bison entered North America from Siberia over 350,000 years ago. As the species evolved, modern herds once roamed from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. It is estimated that these herds once peaked between 50 and 60 million animals in the mid-1800s.,

"All around as far as we could see, the plains were black with buffalo. The prairie seemed to be moving.", Buffalo Hunter Norbet Welsh, The Last Buffalo Hunter, 1931

, Bison are Beyond Comparison , Bison are North America's largest land mammal. A full- grown bull stands more than six feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh more than 2000 pounds. A cow may stand up to five feet tall at the shoulder and weigh around 1000 pounds. Contrary to their size, bison are quick, being able sprint upwards of 40 mph., Captions In winter, the bison uses its head as a snowplow to uncover grasses and small shrubs. The harsh, cold temperatures do not affect bison. A heavy fur insulates their entire body, except around the eyes., Despite their large size, bison are agile. They can turn quickly because of their small hind quarters. The phrase turn on a dime was coined from the bison., Buffalo or Bison? Though commonly referred to as buffalo, bison are distinct from other buffalo. Different buffalo species inhabit South Africa and Southeast Asia. The name "buffalo" for bison arose in the mid-1800s from the French word, "les boeufs," meaning oxen or beef cattle., The Prairie Witnesses New Calves Each Spring , Most bison calves are born between mid-March and early June. They have reddish colored fur at birth, often referred to as cinnamon-red. After about three months, calves will turn dark brown in color. At one year of age, calves appear more like their parents, having distinct horns, a shoulder hump, and larger size. Within one year, a calf may gain over 350 pounds., Captions Bison calves begin to graze on grass about one week after birth. However, until they are yearlings, most of their nourishment comes from their mother's milk., A bison calf can stand within a few minutes of birth. It will be able to run slowly within three hours. To escape predators shortly after birth is a survival trait for a species living on the prairie., Bison Need to Scratch , Bison often roll around on the ground in worn areas called wallows. The dirt covers their body and helps rid their fur of biting insects., You are Standing on a Battleground , The rutting season takes place between July and mid-September. This time of year finds bison bulls fighting over breeding rights. They show dominance by making loud bellows or by butting heads together. The dominant males tend cows, following them until they are ready to mate. Bulls are able to mate by age three, while cows mate at age two., Captions Fights that cause serious harm are often avoided. Fighting uses energy; a bull may lose up to 300 pounds during the rutting season., To show aggression, bison bulls will rub their horns against trees. Their hair sticks to the peeled bark and sap, and in some cases, the tree may die from the damage.